While COVID-19 forced aircraft to sit idle on runways around the UK, the way is clear for community solar to take off at Pound Hill Infant School in Crawley. The University of Brighton Academies Trust gave the green light for OVESCO Sunny Solar Schools to install 30kW of solar PV panels at the school, which is shaped like an aeroplane + in sight of Gatwick airport. Working with award winning ,solar designers + installers SAS ENERGY, OVESCO ensured solar panels were on the roof of the primary school in the first weeks of the summer holidays. The project will generate free energy from the sun + save the environment 7,961 kg p.a. of carbon being released into the environment.
A TV monitor will be installed at the school to show the primary school pupils how the much electricity their school is generating each day. When appropriate OVESCO will visit the school to teach the children all about renewable energy.
Patrick Crawford of Ovesco Sunny Solar Schools said “ We are delighted to have added another solar school to our portfolio and look forward to engaging with staff and pupils on how to save energy and learn more about renewable energy technologies. With the growing impact of climate change this is another step that schools can take for a more sustainable future.”
Dr John Smith, Chief Executive, University of Brighton Academies Trust says:
Making more sustainable teaching a reality isn’t always easy, but it is essential. As a Trust, we are always looking to innovate and explore new ways of doing things in a more sustainable way. Today is a proud moment; it signals our commitment to ensuring that the high quality of teaching we provide today is available for the communities that we serve well into the future.
Nick Porter, SAS ENERGY’s, MD said: “Saving schools money on their energy bills makes complete sense. SAS ENERGY with OVESCO is proud to have helped another local school to produce their own energy, and to show their pupils a live example of renewable energy in action”
Chris Rowland MD of OVESCO added “Schools projects have been increasingly difficult to complete in the current climate. I would like to acknowledge how many people have been involved in making this happen particularly UBAT . I look forward to partnering again with UBAT and West Sussex County Council to find more & innovative ways to make more of these projects happen. “
