Coventry College has seen a direct saving of more than £95,000 in six months from the project, which received investment from Mayoral Renewables Fund.
At a glance
Who: Mayoral Renewables Fund; Coventry College; E.ON.
What: Coventry College in the UK’s West Midlands has completed installation of 1,643 solar panels with investment from the Mayoral Renewables Fund.
Why: To reduce operating costs and reliance on grid electricity, the project is creating opportunities for Coventry College students to see renewable technologies working in a real educational environment.
When: The panels are installed on four buildings at the college and neighbouring Sidney Stringer Academy.
Coventry College in the West Midlands has completed installation of 1,643 solar panels across four buildings and neighbouring Sidney Stringer Academy thanks to investment from Mayoral Renewables Fund and its own match funding.
The benefits are already being seen with direct electricity savings of more than £95,000 in just six months. The project is part of a wider programme to modernise thousands more public buildings.
As well as reducing operating costs and reliance on grid electricity, they are creating opportunities for Coventry College students to see renewable technologies working in a real educational environment. The project has already supported an industry masterclass for the college’s Level 2 electrical students, providing an interactive session and real-world experience of renewable energy technology.
The college has also previously secured funding to deliver solar photovoltaic skills bootcamps, supporting local residents and businesses to develop the skills needed to meet growing demand for solar installation and other areas of the green economy.
“Thousands of pounds have been freed up for teaching and support for these young people, which will help give them a better start in life and contribute to making Hillfields a better place to live”
“The results we’re seeing from the solar panels at Coventry College and Sidney Stringer School show the real-world benefits of switching to renewable energy,” said Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, who visited the college to unveil a plaque celebrating the completion. “Thousands of pounds have been freed up for teaching and support for these young people, which will help give them a better start in life and contribute to making Hillfields a better place to live.
“But we’re not stopping in Coventry. We’re rolling out a major programme to modernise thousands more public buildings, from schools and libraries to leisure centres, as well as homes and businesses across our region.
“This is how we can help soften the impact of this year’s energy price hikes and support families with the rising cost of living.”
The solar panels were funded by central government with £700,000 from the Mayor Renewables Fund and £125k in match funding from Coventry College and Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust, and delivered by the Strategic Energy Partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council.
The project has also supported small businesses in the city, with Coventry’s Strategic Energy Partnership working with local suppliers and several Coventry-based workers on the installation.
“The solar installation is already making a tangible difference, helping us reduce our energy costs and allowing us to focus more of our resources on what matters most: providing high-quality education, training and opportunities for our students,” said Carol Thomas, principal and CEO at Coventry College. “It also means our students can see renewable energy technology in action on their own campus, complementing the skills and knowledge we are developing to support employers and the workforce of the future.”
The plaque unveiled by the mayor recognises the partnership behind the project and its contribution to creating more resilient educational facilities in Hillfields.
The investment also forms part of wider plans for the Hillfields area, with opportunities for further low-carbon infrastructure and future decarbonisation projects.
“Making new energy work for everyone means cutting bills and delivering benefits that people can see,” said Vijay Tank, chief commercial officer for E.ON Energy Infrastructure Services. “Working with our partners at Coventry City Council we’ve delivered this rooftop solar project at pace, cutting bills for the schools that frees up money for education while at the same time creating opportunities for local businesses that keeps much of the original investment within the community. It’s a clear example of how affordable, sustainable energy can improve everyone’s lives.”
Councillor Lynnette Kelly, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “Our partnership with E.ON has enabled us to move quickly. But we are far from done. Solar on roofs is a big priority for us – there are already more than people think, on the council house roof, at Coombe and the library for example. Now we are looking at where next – and schools are likely to be at the heart of that.”
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