Lighting and power for youngsters at Carr Green Primary School in Rastrick is now provided by solar panels.

The school says about 10% of its energy will come from a new block of panels on the roof – saving 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

Surplus electricity is being sold to the national grid and the panels pay for themselves within eight years.

The project was managed by Calderdale Community Energy with the help of a loan from Calderdale Council.

“Solar Panels will provide an additional exciting educational opportunity whilst saving the school money on energy costs which can now be used in other areas,” said headteacher, Paul Mashinter.

Jez Tweed, Project Lead From Calderdale Community Energy, said: “Timing was everything. If we had waited until next year the project might not have been feasible, but thanks to the enterprising nature of the school we have a really good project up and running.”

Calderdale Council’s, environment spokesperson, Clr Jenny Lynn, said: “Projects like this one can bring real benefits, not only through reduced electricity costs for the school, but also by reducing CO2 emissions.

“We are working with Calderdale Community Energy to develop more projects like this one, to help schools and other businesses generate their own energy and use it efficiently.”

Calderdale Community Energy is looking for more schools to develop energy saving projects.

Info: www.calderdalecommunityenergy.org.uk or telephone 01422 392250.