Ten British schools are attempting to ‘crowd fund’ their own solar panel roofs, with support from carbon reduction organisation 10:10
Each school has its own virtual solar roof on the Solar Schools website and parents, teachers, alumni and local businesses are being encouraged to sponsor little pieces of the virtual roofs. They can personalise their piece of the roof on the site with a picture and a message of support.
The schools will also hold cake sales, non-uniform days and other events to raise funds. Once enough money is raised, a real solar panel roof will be installed.
10:10 and parents’ web forum Mumsnet, are planning a national roll out in 2012, if the trial is successful.
They have calculated that every pound given could generate up to £3 for the school over the lifetime of the solar installation.
Daniel Vockins, campaign manager for the initiative, said: “The Solar Schools project is all about using the power of community to tackle climate change. By installing solar panels, schools will be able to spend more money on books and teachers and less on rising energy bills.”
The virtual roofs were unveiled at a launch in Reading, where seven schools are piloting the project. At the launch event, hosted by Firefly Solar, children generated their own energy using electricity generating bikes and a seesaw.
One school in Norfolk, one in Cambridge and one on the Scilly Isles will also take part in the pilot scheme.
