GREEN Bewdley schools have been provided with low carbon electricity after having solar panels installed.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been fitted at Bewdley Primary School and the Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre, both on Stourport Road, as part of Worcestershire County Council’s spend-to-save scheme.

As well as boosting both schools’ green credentials, it also has economic benefits, as any surplus electricity can be sold to the National Grid, effectively reducing energy bills even further.

Paul Roper, headteacher at Bewdley Primary School, said: “I am delighted with the installation. With the recent fair weather it has been fantastic to see how much energy we are generating.

“Going forwards, the children will link this into energy-saving practices carried out within the school.

“The panels are helping to reduce our environmental and carbon footprint, along with providing educational benefits and showcasing effective renewable technology.”

Julie Reilly, headteacher at Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre, added: “The installation of solar panels and the focus on renewable energy fits in entirely with the way we increasingly operate as a green school.

“Over the past three years, the school has been working as a fruitful school, developing a community orchard and working with students and the community to explore skills and knowledge around planting, grafting and looking after fruit trees.

“So, not only are we cutting energy use through the renewable generation of electricity, we are also cutting energy use and carbon emissions by encouraging the growing and sourcing of seasonal, local produce.”

Conservative county councillor for Bewdley, John Campion, said the scheme would mean children could get actively involved in seeing how the technology worked in practice.

“It is an excellent project, showing real action in protecting our environment,” he added.

Mr Campion said other schools interested in solar panels should visit the website at worcestershire.gov.uk/spendtosave for more information.