Thomas Reade Primary School was our first solar school project in Abingdon. We installed 48.62kWp of solar pv panels, which generate 40,981 kWh of clean electricity per year to power the school. The scheme also saves 20 tonnes of CO₂ every year. The project was strongly supported by the headteacher, John Serle, and gives the pupils a chance to deepen their understanding of climate change, energy, and the role of renewables like solar.

Thomas Reade School has an active ‘Eco Warriors’ committee, with pupils from each year group working together to discuss all the environmental issues and identify actions for the school to become more sustainable. It’s fantastic to add to this work by enabling the school to generate green electricity, reduce the community’s carbon footprint and inspire pupils to learn even more about energy and climate change.

Thomas Reade’s solar panels were funded through our 2015 community share offer, giving staff, parents and local residents the opportunity to invest and own the installation. The funds from the electricity generated give a return to the community who have invested in the panels, as well as helping reduce school bills and enabling future community-benefit projects.

Could your school be a solar school?

If you work in a school in Oxfordshire, and you’re interested in finding out more about how your school could work with us to install a solar array, please contact our Projects Manager.