A scheme which helps schools install solar panels on their roofs is under threat from drastic Government cuts to renewables subsidies, its backers have warned.
The “Solar Schools” project, which helps schools raise funds to install solar panels to cut energy bills and boost their budgets, reduce emissions and play a part in science and technology education, is set to close at the end of next summer.
Charity 10:10, which runs the scheme , said the closure would not affect the 16 schools which have signed up this year, though they would face a race against the cuts to raise funds and install their panels in time.
The Government has said the significant cuts to small-scale solar support are necessary to prevent rising green energy payments hitting consumer bills, but campaigners warn it could lead to 20,000 job losses and stop people investing in the technology.
10:10 said it had been keen to extend the model to other community buildings but, because of the cuts, the planned London Solar Mosques campaign is seriously at risk and a scheme in Greater Manchester to tackle fuel poverty, save money and cut carbon also faces major challenges.
Solar Schools, which was inspired by the way solar panels at West London’s Fox Primary School had helped engage the school with climate change, has worked with 81 schools to install more than 1,000 panels around the country.
10:10 says its model has inspired a similar programme in the US, while groups in Australia and Chile are working with the organisation to build their own version of the Solar School’s crowdfunding website.
Paul Cotter, executive headteacher of Fox Primary School said: “Solar power and schools are a perfect fit. We have big roofs, lots of daytime energy use – and children whose futures depend on a rapid switch to clean energy.
“It simply cannot be the right decision to block more schools from benefiting from solar power. Yet that is exactly what will happen if the government goes through with these cuts.”
Cecily Spelling, Solar Schools project manager, 10:10, said: “It is shameful to see the Government changing their stance on support for solar in such a drastic way.
“Solar Schools is about so much more than just generating energy – it brings communities together and offers a range of opportunities for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education.
“Sadly, unless these proposed cuts are reversed, after this year, they’ll be no more solar schools benefiting from this magic.”
Recommended for you
