Government funded solar panel scheme progresses

Three schools have been fitted with solar panels over the summer as part of a government-funded scheme, with eight more schools set to get their solar panels this autumn.

This is part of £180 million for schools and hospitals to install rooftop solar as the first major project for Great British Energy.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Great British Energy is helping your local school or hospital save money on its bills, to be reinvested into the frontline, from textbooks to teachers to medical equipment.  

"Across the country, solar panels are going up on rooftops or carpark canopies, to power classrooms and operating theatres with clean, homegrown power. 

"This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, protecting our public services with lower bills and energy security."

Estimates suggest a typical school could save up to £25,000 per year - if they had solar panels with complementary technologies installed such as batteries. 

Nicola Malone, Head Teacher at Christ the King Roman Catholic Primary School, Salford, said: "We are very proud that Christ the King is benefitting from the Great British Energy Solar Partnership programme. The solar installation will make a lasting difference for our school, whilst showing our children the value of sustainability and emphasising our shared responsibility for the world around us."