Solar Panels Power Middlesbrough School After Funding Boost

A Middlesbrough school has harnessed the power of the sun to save thousands of pounds with the help of Net Zero funding.  

The Tees Valley Combined Authority and the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub have helped schools to work alongside not-for-profit Solar For Schools in helping to get more solar panels on school buildings across the country.  

Middlesbrough’s Abingdon Primary School has benefitted from the School Solar Enabling Fund – a £150,000 investment scheme providing grants across the North East and Yorkshire to help bridge the divide and get solar energy projects off the ground. 

The fund provided grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 to nine schools and learning providers using money from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formally BEIS).  

During the blazing sunshine last week, the TS1 school generated enough energy to charge 88 electric cars – stopping one tonne of CO2 emissions and generating the equivalent of £1,662 of power. 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen went to the school last week to see the boost the panels offered.  

He said: “It’s wonderful to see our schools embracing green technology and benefitting from this funding.  

“We are a true powerhouse in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool when it comes to our green energy credentials and we have a great vision to become the beating heart of Britain’s journey to Net Zero.  

“I hope we can help more of our schools to get solar projects up and running like this one – to save money but also to teach the next generation of the huge benefits it can bring.” 

Head Teacher Adam Cooper added: “Abingdon Primary School and Children’s Centre wants to be at the forefront of embracing green energy. Solar panels are a fantastic way to help school become self-sufficient as well as having a total financial saving forecast in excess of £195,000.  

“This was made possible by the TVCA and Solar for Schools who between them provided all the funding to make the project happen. In addition, solar is having a positive impact, teaching the children everything they should know about the environment, energy, electricity and photovoltaics.” 

Karen Oliver-Spry, Net Zero Hub Manager, said: “The solar scheme at Abingdon Primary School is a great example of how we have supported schools to hit their Net Zero targets and reap the benefits of solar power. This kind of scheme not only benefits the environment but also saves money, though partnerships with organisations like Solar for Schools.”