The installation is part of plans to introduce solar power at the UK’s schools

A Doncaster MP has welcomed the installation of solar panels at a city school.

Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP John Healey has visited De Warenne Academy, one of the first schools benefitting from Great British Energy Solar, one of GBE’s first programmes to install solar power to buildings including hospitals and military sites.

He visited the brand-new rooftop sola to see the installation up close.

He said: “As one of Labour’s key 2024 manifesto pledges, GBE will save the Conisbrough secondary school over £20,000 a year over the next 30 years, slashing energy bills and reinvesting savings back into the classroom. “

The installation is part of Great British Energy Solar, one of Great British Energy’s first major programmes, developed in collaboration with the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care.

With investment of up to £255 million, 250 schools, 260 NHS sites, and several military facilities will generate more clean, renewable energy and achieve significant savings on their energy bills.

Speaking on the installation he said:“It was great to see the new rooftop solar installed at De Warenne Academy.

“This installation highlights the benefits renewable energy can bring, especially when it can positively impact a local school at the heart of Conisbrough’s community.

“The savings made at De Warenne will help to redirect money once spent on energy bills towards what matters most – the pupils.”

Whilst at the school, the Conisbrough MP also met with the student council to discuss Pride in Place and hear how they would like their community to be improved for them.

The £20million programme will invest money into Conisbrough and Denaby, and the input of local young people is more important than ever.

Dr Patrick Longson, Vice Principal, said: “As an academy, we are pleased to have been able to benefit from the solar panel installation scheme, which will significantly improve our energy portfolio and support our long-term financial planning.

“We are also delighted that students from the academy have been able to contribute to the Pride in Place initiative, given our ongoing commitment to the wider community that our academy serves.”