Solar schools step up to the climate change challenge

Now in its fourth year, 10:10’s Solar Schools project has worked with a network of 65 schools across the country, raising nearly half a million pounds and installing over 830 solar panels.

Solar Schools helps schools raise money to put solar panels on their roofs. It offers schools a way to boost budgets, cut carbon and forge new bonds with their local community. With an extension of the project launched this month, it’s now even easier for schools to get involved.

Depending on the size of the roof and the number of panels installed, Solar Schools could save an average of £17,000 over 20 years. That’s equivalent to 1,700 calculators, 340,000 rulers, 226 whiteboards, 90 tablet devices and 36,266 highlighters.10:10, the carbon-cutting charity who runs Solar Schools, has also calculated that over 25 years, schools could save 87,500kg of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to 215 barrels of oil.

In addition to the financial savings, there are social benefits to be drawn from the Solar School’s crowdfunding process. Research conducted in partnership with NESTA last year showed Solar School participants felt more engaged in taking action on climate change – 71% changed their behaviour to save energy – and that the project helped foster a sense of community.

Solar Schools is free to join. Participants are provided with a free comprehensive training toolkit, materials and support. Sign-ups for the 2015–16 session are now open and schools have until the 3rd June to submit their applications at solarschools.org.uk/apply.

Sue Jepson, Deputy Head at Barnes Primary School, said: “Not only are we now enjoying the great financial and environmental benefits of solar panels, but our pupils, staff and parents got a huge amount out of the financial process itself.”

Richard Craft, Grandparent, Fitzmaurice Primary School, said: “The lovely thing is it has brought people into the school who have never been or had a connection with it.”

Cecily Spelling, Solar Schools Project Manager for 10:10, said: “It’s been amazing to see communities come together to put clean energy in classrooms. Involvement in Solar Schools provides a legacy of new skills, stronger community links, energy awareness and local pride. I can’t wait to meet the next lot of schools that’ll get involved.”

Professor Sir Tim Brighouse, former Schools Commissioner for London, said: “I know many of the schools involved in Solar Schools and am hugely impressed by its impact on community involvement and how it motivates students. What is more it is a simple commitment to make and contributes to an issue that affects us all and our future. Every school should be able to find a champion to move it from every school's wish list to reality.”