With rising energy costs and an increasing emphasis on sustainability, more schools are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint while also cutting down on electricity expenses. St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School in Broadstairs took a significant step towards sustainability by installing a 55.44kWp SolarEdge system over the February half-term break. This case study explores how the school’s decision to go solar has resulted in significant energy savings and environmental benefits.
Jump to
The Challenge
Like many schools across the UK, St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School faced the challenge of high electricity costs. Schools require a substantial amount of energy to power lighting, heating, computers, and other essential facilities throughout the day. The school recognised the opportunity to reduce its operational costs with solar panels, while promoting environmental responsibility to students and the wider community.
The Solution: A 55.44kWp SolarEdge System
To address these challenges, our solar team designed and installed a 55.44kWp SolarEdge solar panel system tailored to meet the school’s energy demands. The system was installed during the February half-term, ensuring minimal disruption to students and staff.
The SolarEdge system was selected for its high efficiency and advanced monitoring capabilities. This system allows the school to track its energy generation and usage in real-time, ensuring optimal performance and maximum savings.
The Impact
The newly installed solar panel system has made an immediate and measurable difference.
- Energy Savings: The school is now saving approximately 44% on its electricity bill annually. These savings can be redirected towards improving educational resources and enhancing student experiences.
- Sustainability Gains: By reducing reliance on grid electricity, the school is significantly lowering its carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
- Real-World Benefits: A perfect example of the system’s impact was observed on a sunny Wednesday, when the solar panels generated an impressive 236.19kWp of energy. Remarkably, 80% of that energy was used directly on-site, covering 68% of the school’s electricity needs for the day.
Educational and Community Benefits
Beyond the financial and environmental advantages, the installation of solar panels also serves as an educational tool. Students can engage with real-time energy monitoring data, helping them understand the importance of renewable energy and sustainability in everyday life. By taking this step, St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School is leading by example, inspiring other schools and local organisations to consider renewable energy solutions.
Why Solar Panels Are a Smart Choice for Schools
Schools are particularly well-suited for solar panel installations due to several key reasons:
- High Daytime Energy Usage: Schools operate primarily during daylight hours, aligning perfectly with peak solar energy generation times.
- Long-Term Savings: By investing in solar energy, schools can significantly reduce their long-term operational costs, freeing up funds for educational programs and facility improvements.
- Sustainability Goals: With increasing pressure to adopt greener practices, solar panels provide a tangible way for schools to meet their sustainability targets and reduce their environmental impact.
- Government Incentives: Various funding opportunities and grants exist to support schools in their transition to renewable energy, making solar installations more accessible and financially viable.
Looking to Reduce Your School’s Energy Costs?
St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School’s successful transition to solar energy highlights the real benefits of adopting renewable energy solutions.
If your school is considering making the switch to solar, our expert team is here to help.
We specialise in designing and installing tailored solar energy solutions that maximise efficiency and savings. To learn more about how solar panels for schools, call us today at 01233 913398.
By investing in solar power, your school can take control of its energy costs, reduce its carbon footprint, and inspire students to embrace sustainable practices for the future.
