Tameside Primary School lights the way to energy efficiency

To save running costs and help the environment, energy will be created through solar panels, which are to be installed at Heys Primary School in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The Heys Primary School is one of the schools to receive solar panels through a grant that’s part of a scheme from The Department of Education, which Tameside Council has accepted. The grant is part of £80 million funding provided to support around 200 schools in England using investment from the UK government and Great British Energy.

The Heys scheme involves the installation of 94 photovoltaic (PV) modules on the roof of the school. The project will deliver significant long-term energy savings, with the estimated value of savings being much higher than the cost.

Other schools, including Tameside College and Oasis Academy Broadoak, have also installed solar panels to help with energy efficiency. The environmental benefits are believed to contribute to Tameside’s aims of being carbon neutral by 2038.

Tameside Councils Executive Member for Finance and Resources, Cllr Hugh Roderick, said: “This scheme is a valuable opportunity for The Heys Primary School to operate more efficiently, both financially and environmentally. The saving in energy costs can then be redirected to support other important areas and resources across the school.”

Tameside Councils Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Cllr Leanne Feeley, said: “I’m really pleased a Tameside Primary School has been chosen to receive funding for this scheme. Not only will it save money and help the environment, the pupils will also have the opportunity to learn first‑hand about the benefits of acting sustainably and will help to foster the next generation to be more aware of their impacts on the environment.”