Emerald Primary School, an already five-star accredited school for its water saving and rubbish reduction programs, is now working towards reducing its energy emissions and carbon impact through an innovative solar panel installation project.

In what is perhaps the first partnership of its kind in Australia, the school is working with the Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association to have solar panels installed at the school.

DRREA president Peter Cook explains: "The idea is really simple. If installing solar panels at home is not an option for you, then you can join in on a community installation project and get paid back about the same amount of money as you would have saved on your energy bill.''

A total of 18 solar panels have been installed at the school with nine of the panels paid for by the DRREA and one panel by members of the general community.

Teacher Leigh Johnson says the community involvement has been outstanding and a great start to phase one of the project.

"Phase two will see more panels made available and we would love to see more people from the community involved,'' says Leigh.

Leigh says that since Emerald Primary School started the solar panel project other organisations have decided to follow the same model including Kallista Primary School and the Emerald and Belgrave Libraries.

"The schools are working with the communities to make a real difference.

"The big thrust though is getting the message from the classroom to the kitchen at home.

"It is here that we can make a difference for future generations, and that is exactly what is happening.''

He says the children are really connected to idea of sustainability

and proud that the school had reduced water usage by 50 per cent, almost halved the amount of litter with a reduction in playground bins.

Principal Mark Carver says these results are fantastic given the school has only one permanent building and infrastructure over a century old.

"If we can get it right in the school grounds and in the homes of our families, then we have a real chance at making a difference for the future.''