A BRIGHT idea should save Alcester Grammar School thousands of pounds a month in energy bills.
More than 320 solar panels are being installed on the roof of the school’s sports hall.
The panels should save the school around £3,000 a month on energy bills and are being installed by green energy specialists Stratford Energy Solutions.
They should pay for themselves within four years and meet a third of all the school’s energy needs.
Principal Rachel Thorpe said: “This is a significant investment for the school, but the money spent will be recouped fairly quickly through utility cost savings. In addition, the green energy will help to combat climate change and safeguard the future for all of us, especially our students.”
The school has already 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, which is costing more than £100,000, has been part-funded by an energy efficiency grant from the Government. The school’s governors have decided to use capital reserves to make up the difference.
Very few schools have embraced green energy on such a scale. Stratford Energy was chosen to carry out the project because of their expertise in the field. The company has taken the bold decision to install the solar panels on the school’s sports hall, even though it has a curved roof.
The project will also have an educational use. Digital screens in the school will show in real time how much electricity is being generated.
The high-quality solar panels are equipped to deal with all weathers, meet international standards and can withstand the damaging effects of ammonia, light, salt and high voltages. Produced by SOLARWATT Technologies, they come with a 25-year guarantee.
Over that period, the school is predicted to cut its energy costs by well over £1million.
Solar power will be generated for the school as soon as the work is completed in early November.
