The Green Energy for Schools scheme is jointly funded by the UK government and the Co-operative Group.

Ferndale Infants School in Rhondda is the only other Welsh school to successfully apply to the scheme.

The Co-op's climate change character, Sunny Solar, has officially switched on Tavernspite's solar panels, much to the childrens delight.

The solar panels were installed during the half-term break in February so as not to disturb the childrens studies.

They will prevent two tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from being produced each year.

The children are able to monitor the solar panels' output from a monitor mounted on the wall inside the school.

This will hopefully start the children off early in life in being responsible when it comes to energy consumption and seeing the benefits of solar panels at such an early age will stand them in good stead.

Tavarnspite was chosen after a parent who works for the Co-op locally nominated the school because of the efforts it already makes to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Teacher Julie Halton said: "We compost food waste, paper, paper towels.

"We recycle papers, recycle batteries, ink cartridges, we recycle phones for 'Phones for Schools' campaign which earns us points to spend in Argos, and cash."

"It extends to things like growing our own vegetables in the nature garden."

"We had a recycled Christmas one year where we cancelled Christmas cards and everyone had singing greetings instead."

As well as saving the school money, there is the possibility the solar panels may generate some for it.

Head teacher Kevin Phelps said: "The aim is for long periods like summer holidays, when the children aren't here and the building isn't in use, that we're able to save the power and indeed sell it back so it should create some sort of income for us as well."

Well done all round, I say!....

Helpful Resources

Are you tired of soaring fuel bills? Would you like your very own solar power system for under $200/£100 that will save you 80% on your electricity bill and help the environment? If the answer is 'YES' then click here for more information.

To return to our Solar Power News page.

To return to our solar energy home page.