School is first in South West to benefit from solar support

A Bristol school is reducing its energy bills and carbon emissions after adopting solar panels through an innovative new partnership supporting economically deprived areas.

Oasis Academy Marksbury Road in Bedminster has installed 57 roof-top panels after receiving funding from a joint project between us and Solar for Schools.

It’s estimated the panels will generate 960 MWh of electricity and save 185 tonnes of carbon over their 25-year operating life. As well as finance, the academy for 4 to 11-year-olds has received step-by-step guidance on making their plans to harness the sun’s energy a reality.

School principal Alex Dart said: “We’re delighted to have received funding for solar panels through National Grid Electricity Distribution and Solar for Schools so we can continue our hard work to reduce our carbon footprint and be completely powered on renewables for parts of the year. Our pupils already learn about clean energy through the global goals as part of our Sustainable World curriculum, but having panels on the roof and workshops to bring this to life really helps connect their learning with reality.”

NGED’s Community Engagement Manager Ellie Patey said: “We are committed to providing £2.7 million to help schools in areas of economic deprivation across our patch install solar panels and reap the benefits of lower energy bills and a lighter carbon footprint.

“It’s been great to hear how Oasis Academy pupils and staff have been so enthusiastic about this project and the difference renewal energy will make. This is the first school in the South West to benefit from our partnership with Solar for Schools and we hope more will follow in their footsteps.”

Bristol South MP Karin Smyth, who visited the school to celebrate the scheme, said: “It is fantastic to see Oasis Academy Marksbury Road benefiting from the installation of solar panels, made possible through grant funding from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Solar for Schools scheme. This partnership is helping the school reduce its energy bills and carbon emissions, while setting a positive example for the community.

“The adoption of solar energy at Marksbury Road Academy aligns with the Labour Government’s Clean Power 2030 mission and comes at a time where GB Energy, our new, publicly owned clean power company is investing £200 million to install solar panels on school and hospital buildings across the country. I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of the pupils and staff towards this project and welcome this investment in Bristol South.”

Richard Turner, of Solar for Schools, said: “We’re really excited to support our first installation with the Oasis Community Learning Trust. As well as reducing energy costs, this project helps bring climate education to life for students - making sustainability something they can see, understand, and be part of.”