BRENT Knoll Primary School has secured funding for innovative plans to install 24 solar panels.

The cash, which amounts to almost £25,000, has been provided by energy firm EDF and a Government scheme for renewable energy technology to power lights and computers.

The solar panel initiative, which was reported in the Weekly News earlier in the year, will see the panels placed on the roof of the school classrooms and used in lessons about climate change.

The school says the technology is expected to be in place on the school's extension in Brent Street at the beginning of December.

It is hoped the 5kWp panels, which produce around 5,000kWh of electricity every year, will save 51 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years and cut costs at the school by up to £1,000 a year.

Two display panels inside and outside the school will show live data detailing how much electricity the panels have generated and how much carbon dioxide has been saved.

Project leader and school spokesman Rob Vohra said: “We could not do this without the grants. They are vital and will really allow the children's dreams to be realised.

“Everyone is really excited to hear it is going ahead. Young people are growing up in uncertain and difficult times in terms of energy production and sustainability.

“We must show our children that there are alternative ways to produce power, and lower their carbon footprint.”

School head teacher Karen Davidson said the project would give pupils a great working model from which to learn.

She added: “The children will have great fun seeing how much electricity they have produced and working out how many cups of tea they can make using that renewable energy.

“They can use the equipment to carry out many experiments and lessons that fit into the National Curriculum. Everyone will benefit - the children, the teachers and the village.”