Secondary school saves £1 million with solar power

A Warwickshire school is set to make huge savings through a pioneering green energy project.

It’s estimated that the new system will pay for itself within three years – meeting a third of all the school’s energy needs and saving around £3,000 a month. Any unused electricity will be supplied to the National Grid, generating additional income for the school.

The school was previously able to cut its energy usage by replacing 2,500 traditional light fittings with LED ones. The solar power will further reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 tonnes every year – equivalent to planting more than 1,000 trees.

The project, priced at over £100,000, was partially funded by an energy efficiency grant from the UK Government.

The high-quality solar panels are equipped to deal with all weathers, meet international standards and can withstand the damaging effects of ammonia, light degradation, salt mist and high voltages. Produced by SOLARWATT, they come with a 25-year guarantee.

Over that period, the school is predicted to cut its energy costs by well over £1m. The carbon saved every year will be more than that produced by a car driving four times around the Earth.

Very few schools have embraced green energy on such a scale. The company has taken the bold decision to install solar panels on the school’s sports hall, even though it has a curved roof.

The company’s Commercial Sales Manager Giles Pearce said: “This is the best location. It gives us some extra things to think about, but we love a challenge! We’re passionate about promoting the use of green energy and look forward to similar ventures with other schools.”