Christ the Sower Primary School drone view of solar panels installed on the roof of the school

Introduction

Christ the Sower Ecumenical Primary School, located in Milton Keynes, serves 430 pupils aged 4-11. The school combines modern facilities with a strong commitment to Christian values, providing a nurturing environment for its students.

Industry

Education

Technology

Rooftop Solar PV

Location

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Project Overview

Solar Panels Installed

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System Size (kWp)

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Annual Generation (kWh)

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Payback Period (Years)

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Equivalent Electricity Rate

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Annual CO2 Savings (Tonnes)

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The Motivation

The leadership team at Christ the Sower Primary School was eager to adopt renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies following the success seen at nearby schools. They were particularly inspired by the positive results achieved by The Willows Primary School, which had already implemented similar measures to reduce its electricity usage and carbon footprint with Ineco. Motivated by these tangible benefits, the school sought a solution that would not only reduce their environmental impact but also lower operational costs.

The Ineco Solution

Custom Solar PV System Design

The solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at Christ the Sower was specifically tailored to the school’s building, maximising the available roof space. The resulting 109-panel array was carefully designed to deliver the highest possible output, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.

 

Pigeon-Proof PV

Concerns regarding pigeons within the grounds and the potential for them to nest beneath the solar panels, led to the installation of bird mesh. This solution protected both the birds and the integrity of the solar panels.

 

Grant Funding

The project received support through a £5,000 non-repayable grant from the Carbon Trust, which was obtained on behalf of the school. Additionally, the interest-free loan from Salix Finance, a government-backed funding programme, allowed the school to pay back the loan from the energy savings. This financial support enabled the school to install the system without upfront costs, resulting in immediate savings and a positive cash flow from the outset.

The Benefits

Christ the Sower Primary School now saves over 27,000 kWh annually on its energy bills, delivering signficiant finanical savings costing the equivalent rate of 6p/kWh. The school also benefited from the Feed-in Tariff system, which provided additional income for the next 20 years. These financial gains have allowed the school to invest in much-needed educational resources, improving the overall learning environment.
By
embracing solar energy, the school has successfully reduced its carbon footprint and operational costs while enhancing its ability to invest in the future of its students.

Solar Panels with rain drops and sunset

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