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Two schools launch new solar power systems
Eco-conscious schools are doing their bit for the environment - and their electricity bills!
If, as it is said, the sun shines on the righteous then asking the Bishop of Bedford, Richard Inwood, to give his blessing to St Leonard's Lower School's solar power scheme was a pretty cute move.
Mr Inwood went along to the Thrift Road, Heath and Reach, school on Friday when he was joined by South West Beds MP Andrew Selous for the scheme's official opening.
Headteacher Jan Abrams explained to the assembled pupils, staff and parents some of the difficulties encountered before the switch-on, especially negotiating funds.
The 51,000 cost was met by 12,500 from EDF Energy's Green Fund, 25,200 from the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme, 12, 500 from the Big Lottery Fund's Community Sustainable Energy Programme and 800 donated by school supporters.
Mr Inwood said: "Well done in negotiating all the trials and tribulations of filling in the forms, and most all for being the leader in the field.
"I am sure that will be the case as other schools say: 'We want to do this, too' – and I hope not just other schools, but other people as well.
"One of the things we're looking at is the possibility of doing it on churches – but we have a thing called English Heritage and that could be a problem.
"Being in the church, we are concerned about the environment. It's God's world, after all, and we want to make sure we leave it in a better state for our children's children and their children."
A third of the electricity at the school is now generated by the 60 solar panels installed on the roof to power lights, computers and other equipment.
Every year the project will generate 8,500kWh of electricity, cut carbon dioxide emissions by 4.8 tonnes and save about 1,000 from the school's annual 2,500 electricity costs.
When the school is closed, any surplus will be exported off-site, generating additional income.
Mr Selous said: "Isn't it wonderful to see a local lower school leading the way and showing the rest of us what we should be doing to look after our world. I am sure where you have led, others will follow."
The sun also shone down on Mary Bassett Lower School on Friday in time for MP Andrew Selous to officially open that school's solar panel electricity-saving system.
Pupils, staff and parents gathered to see the grand switch -on and hear Mr Selous describe the school as very lucky to have such forward-thinking technology, and for the school to promote a sensible use of energy, not only in school but in their homes.
The solar panels will provide one third of the school's electricity needs over a year. A display panel in the foyer also tells them how much carbon dioxide they have saved.
Electricity has already been saved since the panels were first installed in August by Ardenham Energy in Aylesbury, which specialises in organising and fitting solar panels. The meter even runs backwards if no-one is in school!
Headteacher Mrs Deborah Pargeter said: "This is a really exciting venture for our school.
"We are delighted to be leading the way in Leighton Buzzard in showing our commitment to renewable energy.
"The children have explained to each other how solar panels work and are excited every time they turn on a switch to realise the power has come from the sun and it was free."
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
