UK School joy at free solar panels
By Gail Robinson /22 Jan 2008
Source: The Star UK
http://www.thestar.co.uk/barnsley/School-joy-at-free-solar.3696189.jp
A BARNSLEY school is set to become one of the greenest in the country. Wellgate Primary in Mapplewell, is to get £20,000 of solar panels funded by The Co-operative’s £1m Green Energy for Schools scheme and the Government’s Low Carbon Building Programme. The rooftop solar panels will generate renewable electricity which will reduce the school’s reliance on fossil fuels and highlight the issue of climate change.
A monitor screen in the school will display how much energy the panels are generating and how much carbon dioxide they have saved. Staff can also access energy data and educational materials on the internet.
David Buckley, manager of The Co-operative food store in Blacker Road, Mapplewell, said: “As well as reducing the school’s carbon dioxide emissions and cutting its electricity bill by generating renewable energy, the rooftop solar panels will serve as a prominent reminder to the whole community of the urgent need to tackle climate change.”
Headteacher Carol Kirkman said: “Schools have a vital role to play in educating the next generation about climate change and using this renewable energy technology to power our own premises will help us to really bring that message home to pupils, parents and staff.”