Varndean College has partnered with local non-profit Brighton & Hove Energy Services Cooperative (BHESCo) to install 180 solar panels on their roof of the college.

The rooftop solar array is expected to generate 51,660 kilowatt hours (kwh) of electricity annually, which is estimated to save the college up to £4,500 each year by generating free electricity from the sun.

In addition to financial savings, the project will significantly reduce the College’s environmental footprint. Over a 20 year lifetime the solar panels will reduce carbon emissions by 271 tonnes – that’s the same as planting 4,481 trees!

The cost of the project will be met by a community share offer. Brighton residents are invited to invest in the project in return for a 5% annual interest payment. Information is available at https://www.ethex.org.uk/BHESCO2019.

The new solar array was installed by Lewes based supplier EcoSphere over the course of the summer holidays in time for the beginning of the Autumn Term 2019.