Sale Moor school first in Trafford to install rooftop solar panels

A primary school in Sale is enjoying lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint thanks to its new solar panels.

Worthington Primary School in Sale Moor is the first school in the borough to receive rooftop solar power under the Greater Manchester Powering Our Schools programme. The system was funded by the school and supported by Trafford Council.

Having the panels in place will reduce the school's energy bills and carbon footprint, as well as helping students learn about energy and the environment. The panels were installed over the summer holiday and are now generating clean, cheap electricity for the school.

The panels are expected to generate 30MWh of electricity annually and supply at least 30 per cent of the school's electricity. It will save the school up to £10,000 per year after the investment payback period of four years.

The scheme is part of wider efforts to address the climate crisis in Trafford by working with schools to reduce carbon emissions.

The Council and charity Let's Go Zero have been running workshops for schools, nurseries and pre-schools on developing climate action plans to reduce energy use and emissions, build resilience to a changing climate, support nature and help children learn about the environment.

Worthington Primary School’s headteacher, Sarah Jones, said "Being part of the Powering Our Schools programme has been a great experience. It provided technical support throughout and helped us get a good price for the solar panels by teaming up with other schools. Not only are the panels providing green, cheap electricity, they are a great tool to aid our students' learning about energy and the environment.”

Tom Ross, leader of Trafford Council, said: "As Greater Manchester Green City lead, I am excited that the Powering Our Schools programme is supporting schools across Greater Manchester to install solar panels.

“And as Leader of Trafford Council, I am delighted that the first school to install panels comes from the borough. We hope many more schools will look at ways that they can reduce their carbon emissions and build greater resilience to climate impacts.”

Applications are open for more schools to apply to join the next phase of the programme.

This work is part of Greater Manchester’s wider pledge to tackle the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2038. The Greater Manchester Strategy sets out how the city-region will lead the shift to clean, green energy, including solar, to cut emissions, reduce waste and protect future generations. 

By generating their own renewable energy, schools are helping to deliver on this ambition while directly benefiting their pupils and communities.