School Switches to Solar Power

A primary school in North Cornwall is reducing its carbon footprint thanks to the installation of solar panels.

St Stephens Primary School in Launceston is one of 100 schools across the country to be chosen to receive solar panels costing pounds20,000 thanks to funding from the Co-operative Group and match funding from the government.

The 24 photovoltaic panels are expected to generate around 3,300 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which is enough to power a school computer for 33,000 hours or to make 180,000 cups of tea for thirsty teachers. It is estimated that it will save about two tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Pupils will be able to keep track of how much renewable energy the panels are generating and the amount of carbon dioxide they have saved by checking a monitor in the school building.

Head teacher, Phil Aldis, said: "We are very proud to be among the schools leading the way on renewable energy through this generous scheme.

"We are already working hard to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and switching on these rooftop solar panels will instantly boost our efforts while sending out a strong message about our commitment to helping the environment."

The Co-operative Group has a long track record in leading the way on renewable energy and switched all its outlets to green electricity in 2006. The group has a pounds1 million Green Energy Scheme in place to help schools go green.

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