Winchester prep school St Swithun's installs solar panels

The solar panels were installed at St Swithun’s Prep School during the October half-term.

The panels, which produce 92kw at peak times, were installed by the company e Energy after 18 months' planning.

The independent school has a broader commitment to sustainability, which extends across the entire site.

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The panels, which produce 92kw at peak times, were installed by the company e Energy after 18 months of planning (Image: St Swithun’s Prep School) The solar panels are one of the key plans under estates and improvement for the school and St Swithun’s have engaged McGrady Clarke who have prepared an external energy audit and plan.

Before installing the solar panels, the school switched entirely to LED lighting and upgraded the glazing in the main senior school building.

This involved replacing inefficient single-glazed windows to improve insulation, reduce maintenance and maintain the school's character.

Head at St Swithun’s Prep, Liz Norris, said: "The children at the prep school are determined to play their part in looking after the environment, and they are very happy that the school has made this commitment to using clean energy."

The school has set out a 10-15 year action plan to further its sustainability journey.

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The independent school has a broader commitment to sustainability, which extends across the entire site (Image: St Swithun’s Prep School) Bursar Martyn Gamble said: "Our plans may be ambitious but are ultimately achievable and I am delighted that we have now taken the next significant step on our sustainability journey."

St Swithun’s is exploring the possibility of expanding its use of solar power, with a feasibility study showing that a ground-mounted system could generate 700kw of power, enough to supply 40 per cent of the senior school.

The school is also investigating the potential of wind power, given the site's positioning.

The estates team is looking into replacing the boilers with more energy-efficient units, and research is being conducted into solar-powered electric vehicle charging points.

The school operates minibus services on several local routes, with more planned soon.

A weekly minibus service also runs between St Swithun’s and London, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of parents driving boarders to and from the school.

Both the prep and senior school have active eco committees, focusing on educating pupils and staff on contributing positively to the school's carbon reduction.

Saskia, Year 6 and chair of the Prep Eco Committee, said: "It is really exciting that we’ve now got so many solar panels on the roof of the prep school because we can now generate a lot of our own electricity even on a cloudy day. This is good for the environment and saves money."