MORE THAN 100 solar panels have been installed atop a Shinfield school.
Shinfield St Mary’s Primary School will be able to generate up to 43.5kw an hour, thanks to the technology.
This is enough to power more than four family homes.
It is also hoped that the 116 new panels will help the school tackle spiralling costs of energy, which look set to continue into this year.
Matthew Knight, head of sustainability and ecology at the school, said: “We are constantly striving to make our community more sustainable. We aim to teach our children skills that will help them to protect the planet throughout their lives and beyond.”
For the last two years, the school has been certified net carbon neutral, Mr Knight explained.
He said the borough council worked with the school to install the panels in August last year.
“Preliminary research by our students is showing our electrical energy consumption has reduced by over a third,” he said. “This is amazing news.
“Aside from the obvious benefits; children are also being taught first-hand the benefits of renewable energy. We are very fortunate to have been supplied with a display unit and solar investigation kits from the borough council’s energy team.
“These tools allow us to give children hands on experience of these great technologies.”
Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions at the borough council said that schools like Shinfield St Mary’s are incredibly important for creating a net carbon zero future the borough.
He said: “They’ve made massive inroads in becoming greener, not just by making their property more energy efficient with projects like solar panels and LED lighting, but also by making sure their pupils learn all about the environment and how they can make a difference.
“From initiatives like their bio dome and tree planting, alongside pupil led activities such as biodiversity ponds and recycling, the school really sets an example to others as to what can be achieved.”
