The College took another step forward in its drive for sustainability last October when the solar photo voltaic panels on the new Science Centre and Sports Hall were commissioned.
As part of the project to construct the Science Centre, 44 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Sports Hall to support Princethorpe’s move towards net zero. The new rooftop solar array is now generating clean energy for the school to use. The expansive flat pitch of the roof making it the perfect location for the panels to catch the sun’s light as it moves across the sky.
On a good day, the panels will generate as much as 27kW of electricity, which will be offset against the school’s electricity consumption. When the panels generate more than the school needs, for example during weekends and holidays, the excess will be fed back into the National Grid. Even on the dreary grey days the panels generate 1.3kW to contribute to the school’s daily demands for power.
It’s another major improvement to the College’s infrastructure and one that has the capacity to grow further as there is plenty more roof space available.
In addition to the solar panels, the school is installing a display monitor in the Science Centre foyer. It will show the energy performance of the building, including the amount of electricity being produced by the panels, and will be an excellent resource to engage the whole school in the discussion about the advantages of clean energy and how we achieve a stable climate and healthy planet together.
Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, who leads the College’s Environmental Sustainability Board, said, “It's a really positive step forward, as we take on the challenge of moving towards ‘net zero’.”
