A Derbyshire Dales school has unveiled a huge new array of rooftop solar panels this winter which are forecast to save the organisation £1million on its future energy bills.

As staff and students returned to Lady Manners School in Bakewell for the start of term this week, their classrooms are being powered by 453 panels generating a 200 kilowatt-peak of electricity.

Headteacher Gary Peat said: “I am extremely proud that Lady Manners School is leading the way with this solar installation which brings wide ranging benefits to our school community. The system will save significant energy costs over its lifetime, which means more resources can be invested directly in our students' education.

“This project demonstrates how schools can deliver financial sustainability, enhance learning, and promote environmental responsibility. “

Representatives from Lady Manners School, Derbyshire Dales Community Energy, Solar for Schools and local councils come together to mark the successful completion of the school’s community-funded solar project. (Photo: Contributed)

placeholder image — Representatives from Lady Manners School, Derbyshire Dales Community Energy, Solar for Schools and local councils come together to mark the successful completion of the school’s community-funded solar project. (Photo: Contributed)

The project came about when DDCE director Dave Locke was inspired by his grandchildren to approach the school and take an instrumental in fundraising the capital costs via national community benefit society Solar for Schools (SfS).

Dave said: “We are all very concerned about climate change, but knowing your school is part of the solution will reduce the anxiety of pupils and start conversations at home.”

Danielle Parker, from SfS, added: “This project is a brilliant example of what’s possible when schools, community energy groups and local councils work together.

“DDCE’s support was vital in turning ambition into action, and Lady Manners School has shown real leadership in embracing community-funded renewable energy.”

Stakeholders and partners met at the schoolto celebrate the solar installation. Pictured, from left, chemistry teacher Dr I Nash, eco committee leader Anne Bladen, Dave Locke of DDCE, clerk Jason Hedley and Cllr John Mordue of Darley Dale Town Council, Andy Douglas of DDCE, Darley Dale Cllr David Wheeler, school facilities managers Jo Cox and Helen Grindey, and Cllr Marilyn Franks Mayor of Matlock.

At a launch event just before Christmas, attended by school alumnus and Mayor of Matlock Marilyn Franks among other council represenatives, students on the eco committee gave a presentation to their peers on how the system works.

Live data for the school’s power generation is accessible via the Solar for Schools website, meaning pupils will be able to use more advanced measurements to bring renewable energy learning into the classroom, perhaps helping them build towards future careers fighting climate change.

Solar for Schools and DDCE hope the project will inspire other schools or businesses across Derbyshire to explore community-funded solar and the support available from local community energy groups.

For more information, go to ddce.org.uk.