We’re powering up some of our schools and public buildings with solar panels. Not only is this great for the environment, but it also helps save money.
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Renewable energy upgrades benefit Harrow schools and public buildings
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Five schools and community centres to be powered by new solar panels
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Solar panels to cut more than 40,000 kg of CO2 each year
We’re powering up some of our schools and public buildings with solar panels. Not only is this great for the environment, but it also helps save money.
At the beginning of the year, we set ourselves the goal of installing solar panels at five council-owned buildings including schools and community centres. And we’re almost there, having fitted solar panels on the roof of four of the five buildings. It means that every day they can generate 100% renewable electricity without burning fossil fuels and harming the environment.
Grange Primary School was the latest building to see more than 200 solar panels installed on their roof last month. This complements the air source heat pumps already in place at the school. They join Grimsdyke Primary School, Milmans Neighbourhood Resource Centre and Bedford House Adult Day Centre, as well as the council’s Headquarters on Forward Drive in generating their own renewable energy from 311 solar panels. Pinner Library will see solar panels installed by March 2025.
Councillor Norman Stevenson, Portfolio Holder for Business, Employment and Property, said:
“Solar panels are crucial in our plans to become more sustainable and it’s fantastic that they are being fitted across five buildings this year. Not only does it reduce harmful greenhouse gasses, but has long lasting benefits for the environment, health and the public purse.
“Across all sites, we predict annual savings of nearly £50,000 from day to day running costs. This helps us continue to put our residents first by diverting the money saved into the services that matter to them.”
This work is part of our plans to reduce the borough’s carbon emissions by 2030 including our electric powered vehicles, flood alleviation and biodiversity schemes, solar panels, heat pumps and much more. The five installations in this year’s programme will help cut more than 40,000 kg of CO2 each year. That’s equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 60 (3-4 bed) houses in the UK.
Daniel Kerbel, Headteacher at Grange Primary School, said:
“We are delighted to have recently had solar panels installed as part of the Council’s decarbonisation program.
“At Grange Primary School we believe in harnessing the power of education to build a better world future. It’s all part of our core values. We will lead by example and continue to invest in greener solutions to protect the environment and reduce our carbon emissions.”
As well as reducing our carbon emissions the panels also help lower energy bills, are easy to maintain and have a lifespan of over 25 years.
This is one of the council’s 30 flagship actions that set out in the corporate plan to restore pride in Harrow. Under this is three key priorities – a council that puts residents first, a borough that is clean and safe and a place where those in need are supported.
The Council’s Climate & Nature Strategy details more about what we’re doing.
If you are interested in installing solar panels or other energy saving measures like heat pumps at your home or business, the Energy Saving Trust website is a good source of independent advice and information.