National Grid is offering £2.7 million in funding to help schools in economically deprived areas, including Birmingham, install solar panels to cut carbon emissions and reduce their energy bills. This five-year partnership helps deliver what are effectively free solar panels for schools, supporting them in reaching their net-zero goals.

Birmingham Schools Lead the Way: Grant Initiative Benefits Two Schools

According to Birmingham Live, two local schools—Ark Kings Academy and Ark Victoria Academy—are leading the nation by installing solar panels through the National Grid agreement and are now saving over £2,500 each per month.

As part of the initiative, around 2,000 students from both schools are participating in interactive workshops on the benefits of solar energy. The project, supported by Northfield MP Gary Sambrook, has been praised for its potential to reduce energy bills and for the students’ enthusiastic response.

“The children showed great enthusiasm and have selected ‘solar ambassadors’ to learn more about the environmental and financial advantages,” Mr Sambrook remarked. “I plan to reach out to other nearby schools to explore how they can also benefit from similar initiatives.”

Remarks from the Workshop Session

Jahziah, a pupil at Ark Kings Academy who attended the session, said: “It was a great experience. I learned about the pros and cons of solar energy systems and how they work.

“Solar energy is beneficial because it doesn’t harm the atmosphere. And while solar panels are produced using harmful gases, they pay for themselves over time.”

“Ark Kings has a high level of pupil preference,” said Jamie Taylor, Head of Primary at Ark Kings Academy. “So, being able to save that kind of money is a huge help.

Community Benefit Society Solar for Schools Initiative

The Community Benefit Society Solar for Schools helps schools in economically deprived areas of South Wales, the South West, and the Midlands achieve their net-zero goals through grants for solar projects.

With its £2.7 million commitment, the initiative is a key part of the Social Contract, which aims to improve the environment and benefit local communities. The solar panels are expected to save more than £1.2 million while cutting CO2 emissions by over 1,153 tonnes each year.

Ellie Patey, the Community Engagement Manager, emphasized that the fund’s goal is to help more schools adopt solar power, which in turn reduces carbon emissions and energy costs.

“Collaborating with Solar for Schools allows our grants to deliver substantial financial and carbon savings, as well as educational benefits, that surpass what could be achieved independently,” said Patey.

Partners Praise National Grid for Solar Funding

Bryan Knope, Head of Estates for Ark Schools, thanked National Grid for the funding, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions this year. He also highlighted the importance of solar energy when paired with tools like the live energy-savings dashboard from Solar for Schools. “We can now report in more meaningful ways and use this data to change behaviour in conjunction with smart metres,” Knope added.

Ultimately, the £2.7 million grant from National Grid will help Solar for Schools leverage additional funding, enabling about £10 million in solar projects for schools that could not otherwise afford them.

“We hope that more companies will take a cue from National Grid and push for significant change and decarbonisation,” remarked Robert Schrimpff, CEO of Solar for Schools.

National Grid’s £2.7 million grant is enabling schools in economically deprived areas to install solar panels, resulting in substantial energy bill savings and new educational opportunities. By collaborating with organizations like Solar for Schools, these initiatives empower communities, reduce carbon emissions, and inspire broader sustainability efforts.