Background

What is Solar4Schools?

Valley Community School Bolton

Solar4Schools was set up in 2008 to bring solar electricity into the heart of our communities.

It was established by Solarcentury, the UK's most experienced solar energy company, Solar4Schools has since completed more than 260 solar installations on schools throughout the UK.

Solarcentury has now partnered with GE Capital and Triodos Bank, to help make Photovoltaic (PV) installations on schools and colleges more affordable.

The main funding that makes Solar4schools possible is known as the 'feed-in tariff'. This is government funding programme which rewards generators of renewable energy for every unit of clean, green renewable energy that they make.

Solar PV provides a powerful visual demonstration of how micro renewables can be incorporated into buildings to help meet broader government aims of carbon reduction by encouraging energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy generation. PV installations on schools and colleges also help educate the next generation about the importance of renewable energy.

About Solarcentury

Solarcentury is one of Europe's fastest growing and most innovative solar photovoltaics comanies. It is the UK's most experienced PV company. Since 1998, Solarcentury has managed the installation of well over 1000 solar PV turnkey projects. Solarcentury has helped thousands of homes go solar through its supply of systems to house builders and through its network of regional associate installers.

Solarcentury is a member of PV cycle, a voluntary take back and recycling programme for end-of-life solar modules. Solarcentury also donate 5% of their profits so Solar Aid, the charity they set up to deliver solar to the developing world (see www.solar-aid.org).

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council

"Councils have an urgent responsibility to make the very best of their assets. Whilst making savings, we should all look to generate income however we can. Here at Merton we see the very best and most simple way to create an income is by generating our own clean power. That is why we aim to have a programme of installing solar power on our buildings, starting with schools.

The council wil receive a garanteed income for 25 years, make a clear profit, and our schools will make savings on their electricity bills whilst educating children on the importance of sustainable practice. Opportunities are also there for our homes and other council buildings. It's win win and we urge every council to consider the opportunities from the FiT."