WOOLASTON Primary School in Lydney is set to be one of the beneficiaries of a £2 million investment by local authority aimed at installing solar panels in schools across the county. 

Gloucestershire County Council’s initiative is part of its broader commitment in achieving a carbon neutral county by 2045 and reducing emissions by 80 per cent by 2030. 

This project promises to deliver substantial environmental benefits, is designed to cut over 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.  

The school is part of an initial pilot scheme along with five other schools which aims to determine the installation costs of solar panels and streamline the process for a wider roll-out. 

Involvement in this scheme will result in the school's contribution to reducing carbon emissions. The school can also expect to see significant financial savings.  

It is estimated that schools participating in this scheme could save £4,360 annually on energy costs, with the solar panels expected to last over 20 years with proper maintenance. 

Cllr Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for finance and change at Gloucestershire County Council, highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative and said: " We’re committed to meeting our climate targets and this proposal will help by decreasing carbon emissions at schools.” 

“Schools have been very receptive to the plans, which will help them generate savings by reducing their energy bills.” 

“I hope the measures will encourage more people to follow suit and install solar panels on their homes and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.” 

The council plans to assess all maintained schools in the county to determine their suitability for solar panel installation with the project expected to last until March 2027.