Schools shine with solar savings

A North East green energy scheme is helping schools cut costs, reduce carbon emissions and reinvest savings into pupils’ education.

Hudson Road Primary School, in Sunderland, is among 23 schools across Sunderland and Northumberland to benefit from solar panel installations funded through North East mayor Kim McGuinness’ Renewables Fund.

The scheme is backed by £700,000 from GB Energy and is expected to save schools more than £100,000 a year, while cutting almost 85 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Hudson Road Primary is already seeing the benefits, with the panels generating green energy on site and reducing bills by around £4000 a year.

The savings are expected to be reinvested into pupils’ education and school activities, with children suggesting more arts and craft materials, reading opportunities and playtime equipment.

The mayor visited the school this week to see the project in action, with the programme aiming to help schools lower costs while supporting cleaner energy use across the region.

She said: “It’s hard to argue against green energy when it means lower bills for schools which frees up cash to spend on improving teaching for children and if the pupils get their way, more toys at playtime! 

“It also allows us to strengthen our national energy security by reducing our reliance on natural gas, one solar panel at a time. 

“It was great to meet pupils from the school whose passion for green issues has been energised by the new solar panels. 

“It is clearly helping young people see how green, locally produced energy can power our future. 

“I want to see more schemes like this across the region as we continue our mission to make the North East the home of the green energy revolution.” 

Councillor Christopher Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “It was really good to meet with the young people today and hear about their experiences with the new solar panels that have been installed at their school.  

“It’s great that the savings from this energy, which will now be generated on-site, will free up school resources that the headteacher can invest more widely to support the school community here at Hudson Road.” 

Mrs Cathy Westgate, headteacher at Hudson Road Primary, added: “Hudson Road Primary was delighted to have been chosen to receive funding from the North East mayor’s Renewable Energy Fund. 

“The solar panels will reduce our energy costs by approximately £4000 per year. 

“This will enable the school to provide additional school trips and other activities for the children. 

“The panels will be a valuable educational tool that will help the children make the school more resource efficient.” 

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