Install a renewable energy source

Installing a renewable energy source should be carried out in conjunction with energy saving and efficiency measures around your school.

It can generate energy in a cost effective and environmentally friendly way.

Solar panels

Facts about solar power for schools:

• solar power (photovoltaic) converts energy from daylight into electricity
• panels are available to fit onto roofs as panels or tiles and wall
• a typical 5kwp system will produce 5000 kWh /year (up to 30% CO2 emissions)
• solar power can feed into thermal heaters which can be used to heat water for taps

You can find examples of photovoltaic solar arrays at these schools in Southwark, Dulwich and Walworth:

• Borough and Bankside 
• Charles Dickens, Notre Dame (has lighting sensors, an external lighting solar dial timer, heating pipe insulation and improved heating controls supplied through a corporate carbon offsetting partnership),
• Charlotte Sharman Primary School
• Herne Hill School, Goodrich Primary, The Charter, Dulwich
• First Place Nursery, St Peter's, Crampton, St John's, Walworth

Wind turbines

Facts about wind power for schools:

• free standing wind turbines (6 to 20 kW) can save up to 30% CO2 emissions
• building mounted wind turbines (1 to 2.5 kW) can save up to 20% CO2 emissions
• you’ll need an average wind speed of 4.5ms
• you usually need to get planning permission

Ground source heat pumps

Facts about ground source heat pumps for schools:

• pumps get heat from the ground using a shallow laid coil or a deep bore
• you need to have space to lay coil – a ground source heat pump is most cost effective if built as part of a new building 
• ground source heat pumps can replace fossil fuel as energy to heat buildings (saving up to 20% CO2 emissions) 
• you need electricity to power the pump – the system is truly renewable if this electricity is also generated in a renewable way

Biomass

Facts about biomass boilers for schools:

• biomass boilers generate heat from organic matter, making it carbon neutral
• they can reduce 50% CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel burning boilers
• you’ll need storage space for pellets or wood chips used as fuel and access for delivery vehicles

Combined heat and power

Facts about combined heat and power for schools:

• combined heat and power uses natural gas or bio-diesel to generate electricity
• heat produced is used for central heating or hot water 
• 1kW of power creates 2kW usable heat

Feed-in-tariffs

The Feed-in-Tariff (FITs) scheme lets energy suppliers make regular payments to those generating their own electricity from renewable sources.

The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for:

• electricity generated by the system
• electricity exported to the national grid

Many companies are currently offering to install solar panels in schools for free or with minimal funding.

The condition is that the company installing the panels will receive all or part of the Feed-in-Tariff.

The host building would receive free or reduced cost energy generated from the panels.

Schools should take care when considering offers that involve long-term contracts.

Schools may also consider financing panels themselves if they can.

Schools may need approval from the owner of the land or building owner to install the panels. This is usually Southwark Council. Planning permission may be necessary.