A raft of schools across Scunthorpe will see energy bills slashed by £250,000 a year thanks to a solar panel installation scheme funded by Government cash.
The four schools which already have the panels installed and two more coming in February will save almost £100,000 alone and a further phase will see many more included.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “These savings will be had year on year and will have a huge impact on reducing the carbon emissions from the schools – they’ve also become an essential part of the curriculum. The savings will have a massive impact too.
“The first schools are already seeing these saving and a great many more are already in the planning stages. Longer term we will look to roll out this project across North Lincolnshire where the eventual savings could run into millions of pounds.”
The first schools to have panels installed are Holme Valley Primary, Bottesford Juniors, St Hugh’s, Frederick Gough, Berkeley Primary and Priory Lane Primary and have benefitted through the Towns Fund – which is backed with £20m of Government cash.
The details are revealed in a report due to be discussed by North Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet on Monday 6 February.
Cllr David Rose, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “With this Government cash we have been able to achieve lots of things; reduce energy costs for schools, create opportunities for children to learn about energy and sustainability and cut carbon emissions. Pupils will be able to see in real time the energy being generated.
“This is just one part of our Green Future plans – reducing our carbon footprint, protecting the environment and saving money and resources.”
The scheme is administered by North Lincolnshire Community Energy, a community benefit society created and run by local people and bringing everyone together to create an affordable zero-carbon energy system in North Lincolnshire.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, and Vice-Chair of the Scunthorpe Towns Fund Board, said: “The impact this will have on the schools is unreal really. I had the privilege of attending one of the schools recently and it was incredible to see.
“I’m sure the other schools in the planning will be looking forward to enjoying the savings these first few already are.”
It is hoped the third phase of the rollout will include community buildings as well as educational establishments.
To register your interest in the community share offer, go to the North Lincolnshire Community Energy website.
