The Hub sponsored and presented at Wiltshire Council’s Schools Solar Showcase on 7th July at County Hall, Trowbridge.
The event brought together representatives from multiple organisations and more than 50 schools to explore the different routes available for installing rooftop solar and battery storage across both council-maintained schools and academies. It was an inspirational and information filled morning that left attendees feeling motivated to explore their decarbonisation options further.
Wiltshire Council shared lessons from its successful pilot project, which provided a loan to a primary school for a solar and battery installation and outlined details of the loan offer and their plans to expand the offer to all council-maintained schools. The Council also highlighted its wider decarbonisation ambitions and programmes, including solar PV and solar carports across its estate.
Chloe Brazier-Sant (South West Net Zero Hub) and Laura Penny (Ramboll) presented the Hub’s ongoing project to assess the feasibility of solar and battery installations across Wiltshire’s council-maintained schools.
The work includes site assessments, review of funding and loan options and development of an expanded pilot programme. The aim is to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and create a model that can be replicated by other local authorities.
Attendees also heard from a range of sector organisations including;
- Centre for Sustainable Energy and Empowered – showcasing the community energy model and existing community energy school installations across Wiltshire.
- Renewable Energy Coalition for Academia – presenting their offer of connecting schools, with expert technology providers, sustainability consultants, and finance specialists to deliver a complete, end-to-end decarbonisation service.
- Lets Go Zero – highlighting their support offer of free, tailored guidance from their Climate Action Advisors to make schools healthier, happier and greener spaces to work and learn.
- West Mercia Energy – detailing what they do and the various ways they can support schools with solar installations, including information about their new decarbonisation framework for the Supply and Installation of Solar PV.
In the afternoon, the showcase expanded to become the Climate and Environment Summer Showcase where organisations hosted exhibition stands, giving attendees the opportunity to seek expert advice, share ideas and explore practical actions to support decarbonisation.
If you work in the public sector and need help or guidance with a renewable energy generation project contact the Hub and one of our project managers will be in touch.