Schools across Tees Valley are now generating cleaner energy and
saving money thanks to the successful completion of a solar
energy project.
Solar for Schools has helped schools to install solar
photovoltaic (PV) systems on school buildings, reducing carbon
emissions, lowering energy costs and providing valuable
educational opportunities for pupils.
The project provided grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 to
schools and learning providers across the region.
In total, 10 schools were supported and the project delivered
£180,950 in grant funding, which helped unlock a further
£718,668.31 in match funding, enabling the installation of more
than 2,500 solar panels.
The new systems are expected to save approximately 201 tonnes of
CO emissions, helping schools play their part in tackling climate
change while supporting the Tees Valley's wider ambitions to
become a leader in net zero and clean energy.
The Solar for Schools model enables schools to generate their own
renewable electricity while using real-world data and technology
to support learning around sustainability, science, technology
and climate change.
By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, the programme
not only delivers environmental benefits but also helps schools
manage energy costs more effectively, freeing up resources that
can be reinvested into teaching and learning.
Tees Valley Combined Authority helped schools to work alongside
not-for-profit Solar for Schools on the project, with support
from delivery partner OASES.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: This project means thousands
of solar panels generating clean, cheap electricity on school
rooftops right across our region, helping them cut energy costs
to invest more into the resources that will benefit local pupils.
Our schools have a hugely important role to play in helping us
connect local young people to new opportunities coming to
Teesside, and it's right that we're doing all we can to free up
cash that will be spent making sure pupils in Teesside have the
skills to get stuck into jobs in industries of the future.
I'm committed to supporting projects like this that deliver real
benefits for Teessiders, and thanks to Solar for Schools, we're
investing to help local schools benefit through lower costs.
Beth Davison, Project Officer, at OASES said: As the North East
delivery partner for Solar for Schools, OASES is proud to help
educate children about solar energy and the benefits it brings to
their school and local community, building awareness of
green energy and inspiring the next generation to embrace a more
sustainable future.
The completion of the Solar for Schools programme marks another
important step in Tees Valley's journey towards a low-carbon
future, demonstrating how investment in renewable energy can
deliver environmental, educational and economic benefits across
local communities.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The 10 schools supported by the project were
- Billingham South Community Primary School Stockton
- Breckon Hill Primary School Middlesbrough
- Holmwood School Middlesbrough
- Hurworth School Darlington
- Longfield Academy Middlesbrough
- New Marske Primary School Redcar
- Northfield School and Sports College Stockton
- Pallister Park Primary School Middlesbrough
- The Rydal Academy Darlington
- Viewley Hill Academy Middlesbrough
