In 2014, Low Carbon Hub connected with Larkrise school via local Councillor John Tanner, who was a supporter of our scheme – and also a Governor at the school. Six months later, we’d helped the school install 78 solar panels, which were generating clean electricity to power the school.

The school has a proud environmental history, working for many years under the Eco-Schools programme, and successfully being awarded both Bronze and Silver flags.

Like many schools, Larkrise would love to have installed solar before, but due to the cost, and so many core educational and facilities priorities, funding has always been a stumbling block. Once they became aware of our initiative to offer schools solar panel installation at no cost, the Governors quickly took the decision to sign up.

What was great about the Hub’s offer is they do the fundraising and installation costs, and all we do is get cheaper power and produce less carbon. We pay less and we are able to learn more about being responsible citizens, so it was an easy decision to make. With the children in the computer room we can look at how much electricity we’re generating, so talking about responsible energy use I can make it real and base it on our usage and production.

ED FINCH, TEACHER

Could your school be a solar school?

If you work in a school in Oxfordshire, and you’re interested in finding out more about how your school could work with us to install a solar array, please contact our Projects Manager.