Seeing the light on using solar power

2:26pm Tuesday 7th March 2006

PUPILS are relying on panel power as part of a £35,000 scheme to turn two schools green.

Merlin Primary School, Ballamore Road, Downham, and Stillness Junior School, Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, have had solar panels fitted to their roofs.

The scheme is being funded by Lewisham Council and the Department of Trade and Industry and aims to cut reliance on fossil fuels.

Both schools were chosen for the funding after contacting the council about how they could use renewable energy.

At Stillness junior, a 7m-long panel which cost £7,000 is powering 14 of the school's lights.

And at Merlin primary a 40m-long panel is connected to digital display boards showing pupils the amount of energy being saved.

The £28,000 panel will generate enough electricity to run 77 of the school's lights and not using enough carbon dioxide to fill 136,500 balloons a year.

Pupils raised more than £3,000 towards the project through sponsored bouncy castle events.

Merlin headteacher Anthony Peltier said: "The problems we face with climate change have been widely reported in the press.

"But there's no point in just talking about it. We have to take action now."

The school has now adapted its curriculum to raise awareness about forms of renewable energy.

He added: "It's great to see the children walking down Ballamore Road telling their parents about how great solar power is.

"This is a huge asset for the community.

"We hope it will motivate other communities across the world to take up the challenge."

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock said: "This is the children of today setting an example for us all by raising more than £3,000 towards this exciting project.

"By creating an environmentally friendly learning culture for children we're changing attitudes of people towards climate change for the future."

Anyone who is interested in installing renewable energy equipment should call the South East London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012.