In an era where sustainability is paramount, lots of schools are looking for innovative ways to reduce their environmental footprint and cut down on those ever-rising energy costs. Luckily for you, in this blog, we’ll tell you all about the importance of solar for schools and why it’s a great solution that contributes to significant energy savings.
The answer? A solar canopy from A&S Landscape! A powerful investment, we’ll dive into its benefits and how an investment in one can help you create a smart and sustainable school environment.
Let’s get into it!
What is a solar canopy?
A solar canopy from A&S Landscape is a solid structure that integrates solar PV panels into its roof, allowing it to generate electricity from sunlight while also providing shade and shelter. Ideal for most schools, they serve a dual purpose: energy generation and outdoor shelter. However, they’re also ideal for hospitality businesses and healthcare sites, too!
We’d highly recommend investing in solar PV for schools. Not only does a solar canopy provide essential shelter and lower energy costs, they have a wealth of other benefits, including:
1. Reduced energy bills
Primary schools and senior schools across the UK are constantly seeking ways to manage their budget effectively, and soaring energy prices have made this more challenging than ever. If you’re after a powerful solution, you’re in the right place, as we can help you to directly address one of the most significant outgoings for any educational institution: utility bills.
Here at A&S Landscape, our innovative solar canopies harness the power of the sun, converting it into clean, renewable energy that your school can benefit from. This will mean a substantial reduction in your reliance on the national grid, and consequently, a significant decrease in your electricity expenses. You can save hundreds, even thousands of pounds annually that can then be reinvested back into vital educational resources, enrichment programmes, or essential school improvements. And that’s not all… we’ve got plenty more information on how solar canopies save money for schools here.
2. Shade temperature and regulation
Beyond saving you money on your electricity bills, solar for schools also offers a perhaps overlooked benefit: significant shade and thermal comfort! It’s no surprise that there is a need for shade in schools, and there are even set sun protection policies in place to support this.
During those warmer months, a solar canopy acts as an effective sun shield, casting vital shade over classrooms, playgrounds, and outdoor communal areas. This means that you don’t have to rely on air conditioning, translating into further energy savings on your school’s bills.
A cooler and more comfortable learning environment can also boost student concentration and overall well-being, boosting productivity and creating a more enjoyable atmosphere for both pupils and teachers. A lot of our other canopy variants, such as our school shade sails, are made from durable fabrics, blocking between 90-98% of harmful UV rays. You can therefore rely on a safe and more accessible outdoor play area.
3. Further education opportunities
Another way to save energy is to educate staff and pupils on a solar canopy’s incredible impacts. For schools, it can present unparalleled opportunities to engage pupils in vital lessons about sustainability, technology, and their role in shaping a greener future. Even the presence of a solar canopy can provide a good example of renewable energy in action. And, teachers can integrate its performance into lessons across various subjects such as science, maths, and geography.
A solar canopy isn’t just a place of shelter. It’s a great opportunity to embed sustainability into the heart of your school’s curriculum, empowering the next generation with the knowledge and inspiration needed to build a more sustainable future.
4. Long-term financial sustainability
Investing in a solar canopy isn’t just about immediate energy savings; it’s a strategic move towards long-term financial resilience and sustainability for your school. And, the ‘fuel’ used for your solar canopy, aka the sunlight, is technically free and abundant for decades to come! The future of solar is bright, especially as sunlight is available month after month and year after year. Once installed by our expert team, your solar canopy will generate electricity with minimal running costs. This insulates your school from the unpredictable fluctuations of wholesale energy markets, providing a stable and foreseeable energy budget for 25-30 years, which is the typical lifespan of solar panels.
While there is an initial investment for a solar canopy, the consistent reduction in energy bills, coupled with the potential to sell surplus electricity back to the grid, means your solar canopy will deliver substantial financial returns over its lifetime. The electricity you’ll be generating is essentially free!
Solar energy for schools is vital… Here’s why:
You now know what a solar canopy is and why it can save energy for your school. Still not convinced? Hear from one of our canopy experts.
Stefanie Lomas, one of our covered area consultants here at A&S Landscape, says:
“The demand for solar canopies is now larger than ever before, with many schools realising how useful they are for meeting sustainability goals and targets.”
Invest in solar energy for schools with the help of A&S Landscape!
As we’ve discussed, a solar canopy can offer you a multifaceted solution to enhancing sustainability and achieving substantial energy savings! At A&S Landscape, we’re passionate about creating innovative and sustainable learning environments. Investing in solar for your school isn’t just an investment for today; it’s about building a greener future.
For more information regarding your solar canopy project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our expert team will be more than happy to chat you through your next steps and offer continuous support whenever you need it.
