Solar panels help school lower emissions
KING Alfred School is now more energy efficient after the introduction of 20 solar panels on the new block.
The 180W additions will produce about 3,060KWs of electricity per annum, saving the school about £500 to £600 a year.
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ENERGY EFFICIENT: King Alfred School pupils celebrate the new solar panels with mayor and mayoress Derick and Christine Cooper
Pupils at the Highbridge secondary school took time out to show the project to mayor and mayoress Derick and Christine Cooper on November 19.
A display inside the block indicates how much carbon dioxide is being saved.
School business manager Christine Platel said: “The school and pupils felt it was important to make a conscious effort to show the community they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
“The mayor was delighted to support us and reminded pupils about the importance of conserving energy.”
Youngsters from the Science and Engineering Club had looked into renewable energy and presented a talk called Why KAS Chose Solar Energy. A pupils’ environment group will meet before Christmas to look at other ways the school can become greener.
The panels were paid for with a 50 per cent grant from the Low Carbon Trust and another pledge from Somerset County Council’s sustainable department.
Comments
by Colin McNamee, Baltonsborough, Somerset
Sunday, November 29 2009, 9:51PM
“What would have made the report complete would have been the total costs involved, then both the
50% grant would have been in context and more importantly
the anticipated saving of £500 /£600 could have determined the payback period.
Part of this experiment, at tax payers, should be both the total cost involved and how the project is being monitored forwards, before the SCC makes money available.
What is the projected payback time?”