Brighton & Hove schools say yes to solar power

More than 200 solar panels have been installed on the roofs of Middle Street Primary School in Brighton and Goldstone Primary School in Hove.

The solar panels will meet a big portion of the schools' annual electricity needs meaning they will not need to buy as much electricity from the national grid.

Jane Paynter, Business Manager at Goldstone Primary School, said: "With school budgets under more strain than ever, it's reassuring to know that in addition to the solar panels reducing our carbon footprint, something our children care deeply about, they will make us a considerable saving in energy costs.''

The solar panels have been installed at no upfront cost to the schools, with funding provided by investors in a 'Solar For Schools' bond being offered by Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCo).

The bond, which closes on April 15, has raised £304,471 since it opened in November 2023, with all money raised going towards new clean energy projects in Sussex.

Kayla Ente MBE, the founder and CEO of BHESCo, said: "With 2023 going down as the hottest year on record, the need for everyone to take action on climate change has never been more urgent. Our solar bond gives people the chance to help our local schools reduce their carbon footprint whilst also saving money that can be better spent on students"