Free power for schools

A new programme has arisen which enables schools the chance to receive new solar panels for free.

The Eco-schools solar programme free power for schools plans to give every school in the country the opportunity to generate power from a renewable source at no cost while also giving access to a teaching platform which will inspire learning.

As a first phase, 100 schools will be selected for the programme and applications will be process on a first come, first served basis. The closing date for applications is the 1st July 2011.

What is free?

• The panels are free
• Site visits and installations are free
• Planning approval, if need is free
• Maintenance is free
• Insurance of the panels is free
• Removal and disposal of panels, once the 25-year contract is up, is free

As a school you gain:

• Free renewable electricity- generated from the solar panels which can be used by the school or sold back to the grid in the school holidays.
• A bespoke nationwide education package- focusing on the issues and benefits of green technologies, climate change and environmental resources that fits into your eco-schools award programme.
• a free display energy certificate (DEC) for 5 years, worth up to £3000
• A display system- worth £150 showing the power generated and carbon saved to both staff and pupils.
• An opportunity to qualify- for a department of energy & climate change (DECC) energy award by achieving reductions in carbon emission above 10%
• An opportunity to enhance your profile with Ofsted- by having a learner-centred development strategy and implementation plan based around solar panels.

The programme, which is being co-ordinated by Eco-schools and winch energy, is supported by the department for the environment, food and rural affairs and the ampere equity fund which is managed by triodos bank, a leader in ethical banking.

Eco-schools are an international award programme that guides schools on their sustainable journey. It provides a framework to help embed sustainable principles into the heart of school life so that students gain a greater understanding of the issues they will need in the future life. It is the largest sustainable schools programme in England with over 15,000 schools actively involved.

Its ambition is to give every school the opportunity of generating power from a renewable source at no cost and to offer students an opportunity to learn about the latest green technologies and their benefits.

Schools benefit from the free electricity generated by the thermal solar panels for 25 years. This reduces the schools use of electricity from traditional carbon-sources which helps reduce the schools carbon footprint. A free monitor, worth £150, will help schools see the amount of energy generated and carbon saved.