By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 12:10, Saturday, 13 October 2012

A Cumbrian primary could be one of the first to be powered by sunshine as part of a national drive to go green and cut costs.

St Gregory & St Patrick’s Catholic Community School, Corkickle, Whitehaven, is among 40 schools in the UK hoping to invest in the technology.

The schools need to raise £500,000 altogether to invest in the panels which would be installed on the roof and used to generate electricity for the buildings, as well as being used as part of lessons.

The Whitehaven school is believed to be the first in the county to investigate using panels, although a county council spokesman said a small number were using wind turbines.

And one of those already using wind power is the Whitehaven school.

Headteacher Anthony Dwyer said that the school has a £10,000 target which he hopes to reach by next summer to enable them to install solar panels.

He prides the school as being a huge part of the community and is passionate in making sure that everybody benefits from the scheme.

“It’s very exciting and we will be involving the whole community as part of the fundraising,” he said. “It is helping the pupils and community become aware of energy.

“One of the strengths of the school and what makes us unique is our high level of community involvement.”

The solar panels will reduce the energy bills by six to 10 per cent, said Mr Dwyer.

Fundraising began this week at the school and a range of events are planned throughout the school year, with a fun day being held next June.

The Solar Schools campaign is being led by environmental group 10:10 and is backed by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Nesta, Tudor Trust and the Bertha Foundation, Co-Operative Energy, Mumsnet and Lush Cosmetics.

Maddy Carroll, Solar Schools campaign manager, said: “Solar panels are an incredible investment and a great way to teach pupils about energy and climate change, but with budgets squeezed, many schools struggle to afford the up-front investment.

“Solar Schools is a chance for pupils, parents, local businesses, former students and local residents to do something good for their school and their community.”

Each school will set its own fundraising target for its own solar roof, and Solar Schools will support more traditional fundraising activities with an online presence.

Heidi Proven, 10:10’s campaigns director, said: “At the heart of Solar Schools is an innovative crowd-funding website where people can sponsor and personalise their very own section of a virtual solar roof. The site lets people really connect to the project.

“Plus it’s a great feeling to help a renewable energy project get off the ground and to be able to attach your name to that.”

To back the project people can purchase a “virtual” tile for £5 as well as writing a message to support the donation.To do this visit www.solarschools.org.uk

First published at 10:10, Saturday, 13 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk