Brighton Energy Cooperative has revealed plans to launch free solar energy systems for three schools in Brighton and Hove in a bid to build a more sustainable and greener future.
The energy company has been working closely with Woodingdean, Coldean and Carden Primary Schools for months to discuss building and installing the solar energy systems in the new year.
Damian Tow, Director at Brighton Energy Cooperative, said: “The buildings will be largely self-sufficient from the electricity generated from the PV in the summer months, but they will still need to draw electricity from the grid in the winter and at night.”
The project will help schools battling with slashes to funding with free solar energy in the Brighton and Hove City Council approved scheme by saving thousands on energy bills.
The other two projects are with the long-time BEC collaborators, the University of Brighton and Shoreham Port.
Grand Parade in central Brighton will be the home to a new solar energy network, along with the newly constructed Lady Bee business centre at the Port.
Mr Tow added: “We are hoping to be chosen by further schools for local community-owned PV, and we are building a pipeline of 1MW of projects to install over the next year that will require another £800K of community investment.”
Brighton and Hove is beginning to look down new avenues to work towards renewable energy, which BEC believe to fundamental for a low-carbon future.
The projects run by BEC rely on investments to run solar energy projects around the Brighton and Hove area, with the minimum investment is £300 and the maximum £100,000.
At this time, BEC has said the energy generated at the schools, University building and business centre cannot be traded between sites.
For more information on their projects, visit the Brighton Energy Cooperative website.
Featured image © Kristian Buus
