Ardenham Energy Solar For Schools
Why go Solar?
Ardenham Energy covers the full spectrum of renewable technologies but we generally find that solar photo-voltaic panels are the most appropriate renewable solution for schools. Here are some of the technical benefits:
- Solar PV is easy to retro-fit to existing buildings.
- No groundworks are required.
- There is no disruption to existing services
- Planning permission is not normally required.
- Silent operation.
- No maintenance requirements
- Cost effective CO2 savings.
What are the benefits?
As well as the obvious benefit of reducing carbon emissions, by going solar your school will also:
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- Save money on electricity bills – and as schools are closed during the summer holidays when your system will be generating the most power, you can sell this back to the national grid. Furthermore, you can earn Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) for each mWh of electricity you generate.
- Raise awareness of environmental issues and the challenges of sustainable living amongst your students. Ardenham Energy will provide you with a display showing the real time performance of your solar system.
- Introduce a variety of environmental topics into the National Curriculum, providing a much more creative learning environment for all pupils.
- Have a head start in working towards Eco School status – the Government wants every school to be a sustainable school by 2020 and the Secretary of State for Education has set out challenging long-term aspirations for schools to incorporate learning about sustainable development issues and practices into everyday school life. To find out more about the Eco Schools programme click here
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New 4kW solar photovoltaic array on Southfields
School, Wokingham |
The Hawthorns Primary School in Wokingham was the first school in Berkshire to install solar panels.
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"I'm really excited about the solar panels. I am extremely proud of the staff, parents, governors and children who have all worked hard to make the Hawthorns more energy efficient and generated the money to have this technology installed."
The Hawthorns Primary School Headteacher Stephen Hempson-Jones |
How can we raise the money?
Grants of 50% are now available for schools under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2.
Ardenham Energy have been involved with projects in the past where PTA fundraising and other initiatives have helped raise the first 50% and allowed projects to turn into reality. We would be pleased to provide advice on this.
In addition, we are aware of a number of other support schemes which can supplement the Low Carbon Building programme grant. These include local government funds, charitable trusts and also commercial companies offering support. They are acceptable as matched funding alongside DTI LCBP funds. Click here to find out more.
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How Solar PV works
 Solar photovoltaic (PV) uses energy from the sun to create electricity to run appliances and lighting. PV requires only daylight - not direct sunlight - to generate electricity.
Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert solar radiation into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.
What do we need to do next?
1. Ensure your school is suitable for Photovoltaic panels:
• Do you have a large expanse (10 m2 or more) of south (ideally) south-east, or south-west facing roof?
• Is the roof free of shading from any nearby buildings or trees?
• Is the roof easily accessible?
• Ideally the roof should be on the same building as the one containing your electrical consumer unit.
2. Check with your Local Authority whether you will require planning permission.
3. Investigate sources of matched funding. The Government will pay for half the cost of your system through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, but there are a number of additional sources of funding that you can apply for to meet the remaining 50%. Click here for further details.
4. Once you have done all of the above, contact contact David or Tim at Ardenham Energy on 01296 331362 or email us at schools@ardenhamenergy.co.uk to arrange a site survey.
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Children from The Hawthorns check out the performance of their solar panels.
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"The solar panels really seem to have captured the children's imaginations and they have all learned a lot already. Every child I have spoken to knows exactly what the panels do and the reasons why the school has worked so hard to have the panels installed. I'm delighted with their interest."
Wokingham Borough Council's Technical officer for energy efficiency Ian Gough |
Who are we?
Ardenham Energy are a renewable energy company based in Aylesbury. We are accredited solar installers under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 and can help you through the whole process of getting solar for your school, from application through to installation.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Ardenham Energy on 01296 331362 or email us at schools@ardenhamenergy.co.uk
To find out more about the technologies we offer, click here.
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