Solar panels 'to save schools thousands' in bills

8 hours ago

The project is expected to save £100,000 a year in energy costs

Reuters Two workers wearing high viz jackets and hard hats installing solar panels on a building's roof. — The project is expected to save £100,000 a year in energy costs

New solar panels are to be installed at dozens of schools with the aim of drastically cutting energy bills.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness allocated £700,000 to provide the technology to 24 schools in Sunderland and Northumberland.

She said the move was estimated to save a combined £100,000 in bills every year.

"[It] means schools will have more to spend in other ways, like on breakfast and after school clubs to give kids a better start in life," the Labour Co-op mayor said.

Schools receiving new panels include Grangetown and Hylton Castle primary schools in Sunderland, New Delaval primary in Blyth and Kielder Primary School.

McGuinness said the money was targeted at schools in rural areas and those with the "greatest social need".

"Our investment also means the schools cut the CO2 they use by 85 tonnes, the same amount used as 150 homes," she added.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.