West Bromwich school gets 200 panels as part of £80 million government scheme

A Black Country primary school is one of the first in the country to have solar panels installed as part of an £80 million government scheme.

Eaton Valley Primary School in West Bromwich has had 200 panels installed, and MP Sarah Coombes climbed on to the roof to see the panels at first hand.

She said they would not only cut bills, but also help pupils understand where energy will come from in future.

An initial 200 schools were expected to benefit from the scheme, announced in March last year, with savings projected at £400 million over the next 30 years.

She said a number of secondary schools in West Bromwich had already benefited from the scheme, including West Bromwich Collegiate Academy and Shireland Biomedical UTC, and the programme was now being extended to primary schools. 

Miss Coombes said: ”It is fantastic to see schools across West Bromwich benefiting from Great British Energy’s investment in solar power.

“Not only will these installations help schools save money on their energy bills, but they will also give young people the opportunity to learn first-hand about renewable energy and the transition to a cleaner future.” 

Eaton Valley headmistress Claire Evans said that in just one week the panels had saved more than £150 on the electricity bill, meaning the money could go supporting pupils.

She said: “It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the Great British Solar Energy Partnership here at Eaton Valley Primary, the Government has installed 200 new solar panels on the roof and pupils have been involved every step of the way. 

“We’re on a mission to become net zero by 2030, so this will help us lower our bills, teach children about renewable energy and show what can happen when we work in partnership for the betterment of our children and their families.”