A 26 kWp PV system has been fitted to Millfields Primary School, in Wivenhoe, Colchester.

Click here to view the system's energy production.

School Business Manager, Anita Sparrow said:

"We are delighted with our solar PV system and the support we have received throughout from Engynious. We are particularly keen to raise our children’s awareness about energy use and generation and our new solar PV system, which is a public demonstration of our sustainability credentials, will help us develop our teaching and learning around being more sustainable.  Today’s young generations have to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that will allow them to take part in decisions about the way we do things and improve the quality of life without damaging the planet for the future.”

“We are also delighted that with the energy generated we can buy back at a subsidised rate, so we can reduce some of our costs and our carbon emissions at the same time.  With all the publicity about possible shortages of energy supply in the future, it is wonderful to have our own off-grid supply so we will always have some of our own power”. 

"The process has been straightforward. We had direct contact with the team and been kept informed of our progress.  It is reassuring to have direct contact with the long-term owner and operator of the system."

A 50kWp PV system has been installed at Oasis Academy Shirley Park Primary, near Croydon.

Primary headteacher Glenn Lillo said:  

"The solar PV system is wonderful for the school giving us an opportunity to show our children what energy we can generate and how much we use.  This learning in a real life context is what all children need if they are really going to understand and appreciate how their learning relates to the world around them.

“I must admit that the road to getting panels was prompted by the school getting a very low energy certificate.  We felt we had to do something. We need to look at how our actions affect the environment and by having the solar panels we can now show the children that we can all take actions to help avoid damaging our world.  We all need to do our bit and our children can see now that we are doing our bit.”

"When we first heard about the programme we thought it was too good to be true. You pay for the renewably generated electricity you use at a cheap rate but everything else is free of charge; install is free, panels are free, upkeep is free. And it's true!"

"Working with Engynious has been fabulous. We know there have been technical issues but the teams have overcome these and the whole process has been easy from our point of view. The install teams have been marvellous and as install took place in term time, everyone has worked conscientiously to accommodate the children and our needs."

"We like the fact that this programme is about having a partnership with Engynious, the long-term owners and operators of the solar PV system.  It gives the school confidence and a feeling of well-being."

A 38 kWp solar PV system has been fitted to Penair School, near Truro.

Penair School’s sustainability co-ordinator, Louise Allen said:

“As a school we believe it is important to prepare our students to be confident members of society and to be able to take informed decisions when they are older.  It is important for our current students to understand the different aspects that are involved in tackling global issues at a local level and the solar PV helps us do just that.”

Director of Business Guy Chappell said: 

“Schools know they have to look at their energy costs. Solar energy is a great way for schools to hedge our exposure to spiraling energy prices by having a proportion of our energy needs met from a solar PV array.

“Thanks to Engynious Clean Power, this is the school’s second solar PV array. We pay for the renewable energy we use, but the prices are not subject to the energy price rises or additional costs that energy companies put on their supplies, so we can manage our costs.”

“The system is also large at 38kWp so on a sunny day it could generate a good proportion of our energy needs.  We are also looking to cut our energy use, by investing in LED lights and through behaviour change so we switch off lights when they are not needed, so in an ideal world our supply of renewable energy could match our energy needs.”

Mr Chappell added:

“Managing energy costs is an essential part of school business management and the less we spend on energy the more we can spend on teaching and learning and improving our pupils progress and attainment.”

After a three-year campaign to get a solar PV system, pupils at Rice Lane Infants finally managed to secure a 50 kWp PV system.

Rice Lane Infants head teacher Cheryl Chatburn said:

“The children decided this was what they wanted about three years ago. We had some solar-powered toys and when they saw you could make electricity from the sun they decided solar panels would be good for the world.  They are only 3-7 years old but it is great to see them take up new ideas and we try our hardest to make it happen! We have a large flat roof that seemed prefect for solar PV and Liverpool local authority have supported us.”

“With Engynious we got there and the children are really excited to have them.  The children will be writing to the parents to let them know just what we are doing to help look after the world in which we live.”

"The programme has been very straightforward from start to finish.  The people we have encountered throughout the process have been lovely. They have all been very helpful, professional and supportive. We are delighted to have Engynious as our long-term partner."

A 50 kWp PV system fitted at West Park School in Spondon, Derby.

Click here to view the system's energy production.

School bursar Rob Mousley said: 

"We are delighted with our solar PV system.  As an outstanding school, we look to make improvements wherever possible.  The solar PV will enable us to reduce some of our costs and our carbon emissions and the panels indicate our continuing commitment to address global issues at local levels. The solar panels are the latest measure in a programme that has seen electricity consumption in the school fall by 18% since 2007 despite heavy investment in electricity dependent ICT resources.  We aim to give all our pupils, knowledge and a greater understanding of the world around them so they have the skills they will need when they leave school to be successful."

"Engynious has supported us throughout and is proving to be a great partner.  They are keen to have a long-term relationship with the school and have been quick to deal with any concerns we have had."