Sun-powered schools: cutting bills, lowering carbon and backing local jobs

The first of 15 schools across Coventry could soon be powering much of their electricity needs through solar panels – saving money that can be spent on education while at the same time reducing carbon emissions and supporting local jobs.

E.ON has submitted planning applications for solar panels on 15 schools, the first phase of a wider programme for schools across Coventry to generate their own affordable and sustainable energy being delivered through the Strategic Energy Partnership with the City Council. 

If the applications are approved, it is estimated the 15 schools will be able to generate up to 1.5 megawatts of electricity from the sun – the equivalent number of panels that could be fitted to around 375 average UK homes*. Depending on the school and the number of panels, they could be generating anywhere from 30% to 60% of their electricity needs.

Installations are expected to start over the summer at Grange Farm Primary School in Finham, Manor Park Primary School in Cheylesmore and Tiverton School in Whitley if approval is granted. The wider project also aims to support some of the city’s small businesses by calling on local suppliers and Coventry-based workers.

Councillor John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion at Coventry City Council, said: “This is a great step forward in bringing solar energy to more schools across Coventry. This group of three schools are the first of 15 and of course our wider ambition is for all schools in the city.  

“We have solar on lots of buildings in Coventry and this initiative will help schools reduce their energy bills and become more energy resilient.  This will be brilliant for the environment but will also help to power better environments for pupils to learn.

"With £2.3 million of Government funding secured, this is just the start of a wider programme to support schools with more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings across the city.”

Tony Poole, Head of Business Development at E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions, said: Powering schools with clean energy is a great example of how we can make energy more affordable as well as sustainable – making savings that can be repurposed into education and at the same time supporting jobs and skills and keeping our investment within the city.

"This shows how our Strategic Energy Partnership is delivering on its commitment to fast, practical action, saving money for schools and benefiting the wider community.”

The 15 schools included in the first phase are:

• Allesley Hall Primary School
• Mount Nod Primary School
• Sherbourne Fields School
• Allesley Primary School
• Whoberley Hall Primary School
• Longford Park Primary School
• Edgewick Community Primary School
• Joseph Cash Primary School
• Stoke Heath Primary School
• Broad Heath Primary School
• Ravensdale Primary School
• Manor Park Primary School
• Grange Farm Primary School
• Whitley Abbey Primary School
• Tiverton School

The planning applications process will be followed by feasibility work on site at each school.

The Strategic Energy Partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council is focused on accelerating the city’s transition to a more affordable, secure and low-carbon future. The partnership is delivering practical solutions to improve energy efficiency across Coventry’s homes, buildings, and transport systems – building a cleaner, more resilient city that is ready to lead on climate action, support economic growth, and improve quality of life for all.