Powering Sustainable Change – Solar Panels, Savings, and What 22,615 kWh Really Means

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As part of our Trust‑wide commitment to sustainability and reducing energy costs, we are delighted to share further exciting progress taking place across our schools.

Following the successful installation of our first EV charger, Oakfield Lodge has now become the first school in the Trust to have solar panels installed, with work completed over the Easter break.

 

Why solar?

After reviewing Trust estate spending reports, it became clear that gas and electricity were among our highest costs that we could actively do something to reduce. With this in mind, we explored ways to reduce both our environmental impact and our energy expenditure, identifying solar power as a key opportunity to make a lasting difference.

The installation at Oakfield Lodge was completed by contractors in just three days — and the benefits were immediate. Once the system was live, meter readings showed a significant reduction in electricity usage straight away.

The contractor has advised that the new system is expected to save approximately 22,615 kWh per year, representing a major step forward in both sustainability and cost efficiency.

 

What does saving 22,615 kWh actually look like?

That figure might sound technical, but it represents a huge amount of energy. To put it into child‑friendly terms:

  • It’s enough electricity to power about six average UK family homes for a full year
  • A 100‑watt light bulb could be left on for more than 25 years
  • A typical tablet could be charged over 2 million times
  • A TV could run non‑stop for around 170 years
  • A video games console could be played for more than 11 years without stopping
  • These savings don’t just reduce our carbon footprint — they also free up funds that can be reinvested back into supporting our pupils, classrooms, and staff.

 

What’s next?

This is just the beginning of our wider sustainability journey. Plans are already underway to install solar panels at as many schools across the Trust as possible, with Bailey Street confirmed as the next site.

Together with improvements like EV charging, these initiatives show how small, well‑planned changes can make a big impact – helping us create a greener, more sustainable future for our schools.

Step by step, school by school, we’re turning our values into action. 🌱

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