The Solar Schools project was all about communities coming together around a big goal: crowdfunding the cost of solar panels for their school roof.
We worked with 80 schools, from Stockton-on-Tees to the Scilly Isles, who together raised £723,000 and installed 2370 panels. That adds up to 38,940 baby elephants worth of carbon saved!
The impact of Solar Schools
The campaign
We provided schools with the tools and training they needed to get going, including a snazzy crowdfunding website. Then each team made the project their own, wowing us with their creativity and commitment. From bakes sales and baked-bean baths to pupil-run conker shys and table tennis marathons, the pupils, parents and local businesses really got into it.
But it wasn’t just about pounds and panels. The Solar Schools project left an amazing legacy of new skills, stronger community links and local pride. Children (and grownups) learned about climate change and energy in a whole new way, and the money the schools saved on their energy bills has made them more resilient for the future.
31,431
Pupils crowdfunding clean energy
2,370
Solar panels installed
15,782
Cakes sold
“I think the solar panels are great because they are saving the school money and producing energy. And helping save the planet.”
“Solar Schools has instilled some pride in Ludwell - even though we’re a rural school, we’re leading the way.”
“The lovely thing is it has brought people into the school who have never been or had a connection with it.”
“Solar Schools has been great for the school, great energy-wise, and great publicity which we really need to keep children coming in.”
“It has been an amazing journey and restored my faith in community spirit.”
“Why do we want solar panels on the school?
So we can gain natures trust”
“It is an amazing feeling to turn on a computer or some lights, and know that you are using power generated by your own roof”
“When I walk into the school, the children surround me asking ‘Mr Wilson, Mr Wilson, when will we get our solar panels – they even try to hand me their pocket money!”