Geo Green Power Launches Solar Rollout for Wellspring Academy

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an inspiring leap towards sustainability, Wellspring Academy Trust has successfully completed the first phase of its ambitious solar panel rollout, paving the way for reduced energy costs and enhanced educational opportunities centred around sustainability.

Recently, the Trust celebrated the installation of its inaugural solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Springwell Alternative Academy Grantham, located in Lincolnshire. This significant milestone was achieved by the renowned renewable energy specialists, Geo Green Power, and was completed during the Easter break—a move that underscores the Trust’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The project isn’t stopping here; five additional solar installations are set to follow over the summer months. These installations will take place at various locations, including Ebor Gardens Primary School in Collingham and four schools in Leeds: Green Meadows Academy, Victoria Primary Academy, Penny Field School, and Springwell East Academy, which will serve as the largest site in this initiative.

Collectively, once all six solar systems are operational, they are projected to generate an impressive 341,650 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy each year. This remarkable feat will not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 85 tonnes but will also yield substantial financial savings for the Trust, estimated at around £92,000 annually. Such savings are earmarked for reinvestment into classroom resources and staff development, directly benefiting both students and educators.

Mark Marples, the Project Manager, shared insights on the significance of this initiative: “Energy costs directly affect our school budgets, so investing in solar power means we can channel those savings into enriching the education we provide. More importantly, our commitment to sustainable practices offers students a real-world example of renewable energy in action, helping them understand the science behind solar power and the importance of sustainability.”

The funding for these solar panel installations comes from a blend of school revenue and the school condition allocation funding. In total, Wellspring Academy Trust is investing over one million pounds into solar PV across its estate. This commitment comes ahead of the UK Government’s announcement of £200 million in funding through the Great British Energy initiative, which aims to equip approximately 200 schools and 200 NHS sites with rooftop solar panels in its initial phase, ultimately saving millions on energy bills.

“We’re excited to be part of Wellspring Academy Trust’s journey toward sustainable energy and can’t wait to return in the summer to complete the remaining installations,” expressed Kitty Cunningham, Operations Director at Geo Green Power. “We were happy to accommodate the Trust’s request to install during the holidays. Solar installations cause minimal disruption, and we’re experienced in working around day-to-day operations to ensure seamless project delivery. All our operatives have enhanced DBS checks to enable them to work in school settings.”

This project not only signifies a step towards greener energy solutions but also illustrates how schools across the UK can lead the charge in sustainable education. By integrating renewable energy into their infrastructure, educational institutions are not only making prudent financial decisions for the future but also enhancing students’ knowledge about sustainability and environmental stewardship.

As the world continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, initiatives like the solar panel rollout by Wellspring Academy Trust serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. They highlight the pivotal role that educational institutions can play in fostering a culture of sustainability, equipping future generations with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle the environmental issues that lie ahead.

In conclusion, Wellspring Academy Trust’s proactive approach to integrating solar energy into its schools is a commendable step towards a greener future. It sets a precedent for other educational bodies and organisations to follow suit, demonstrating that with the right investments and commitment, the shift towards renewable energy is not only achievable but also beneficial in numerous ways. Together, we can make strides towards a sustainable future, one school at a time.