A KIDDERMINSTER primary school has had solar panels installed to improve the building’s green credentials and reduce its energy bills by more than £2,000 a year.

St Oswald’s Primary School, in Sion Avenue, is now able to generate its own clean, environmentally- friendly electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, funded by Worcestershire County Council’s “spend to save”

scheme.

During the summer holidays, a 10 kilowatt peak (kWp), 42-panel system was installed on the school’s roof.

Bosses claim it will substantially reduce the environmental impact of the school, with a carbon emissions reduction of more than 4,600 kg of CO2 per year.

The energy saved and income generated by the Government’s feed-in tariff scheme for installing the panels could reach £2,300 a year. It is expected the panels paying for themselves in eight years.

Although they do not provide all of the school’s power, they significantly reduce its demand for energy from the National Grid.

Joel Marshall, headteacher, said the panels would provide a good incentive to children and staff as the school goes for green flag status this year.

He added: “It was fantastic to see the solar PV panels on our return to school after the summer holidays – they make a big visual impact as they are at the front of our school.”

Conservative councillor Anthony Blagg, council cabinet member for environment, said: “It’s brilliant news local children attending the school will have the opportunity to not only learn about solar energy but actively get involved in seeing how it works in practice.”

Schools interested in installing solar panels or other energy saving initiatives can visit the website at worcestershire.gov.uk/ spendtosave for more details.