Solar at Greenway Primary School

The headteacher at Greenway was keen to reduce ongoing outgoings, as well as improving the learning environment and saving carbon emissions. Following the success of the system we had previously installed at Trowbridge Primary, the team at Greenway were keen to reap some of the same rewards for their school too.

Following an extensive site audit, we proposed a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for Greenway Primary School. This system was designed to deliver the greatest financial and ecological returns using the least resources.

This proposal easily qualified for Salix Finance, a DfE backed government funding stream that enables schools to implement energy efficiency projects at no cost to them, either upfront or ongoing. We managed the application process on behalf of Greenway Primary School, to ensure no administrative effort was required by them.

With relatively easily accessible flat roofs across two teaching blocks at Greenway, anti-vandalism measures were also put in place to protect the new system. Some months after our initial installation work was completed, Greenway Primary School became part of a programme of replacement roofs with Cardiff City Council.

We removed the solar PV system while this new roof was fitted, working closely with the roofing contractors to replace it once the roofing work was complete, again with minimal disruption to the operations of the school. Adding an extra level of complexity to our working practices, this occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic so additional health and safety measures were deployed.

Despite the complex installation and initial maintenance phase, we worked during twilight hours and holiday times to minimise risk and disruption to pupils and staff. The solar panels deliver cleaner and cheaper energy, helping to insulate Greenway Primary School against energy price hikes.