A FORWARD-THINKING school is set to save more than £400,000 in electricity costs over the next 30 years after the installation of 360 solar panels.

Bowland High School, Sawley Road, Grindleton in Clitheroe is believed to have the largest solar array on a school in the whole of Lancashire.

The 360 panels will save more than £20,000 over the next seven years and £17,000 every year thereafter.

The money saved on electricity bills will be spent on other activities for the school’s 565 pupils.

The school also plan to use the solar panels to teach pupils about renewable energy and to create real data for science, geography, technology and maths projects.

Paul Atkinson, school business manager at Bowland High School, said: “The solar panels will allow us to do some fascinating projects, using real data for science, geography, technology and maths from the electricity generated on site.

“One thing everyone knows is the price of electric will carry on going up, so fixing the price now is great for Bowland High School moving forward.

“We were also keen to do something about reducing our carbon footprint and people need to think about that more and more.

The 360 panels were installed by Green Energy International, a company which installs solar panels on businesses and medium-sized firms.

Green Energy International CEO Arthur Bell said: “We must all be part of ensuring future generations can meet their own needs and disseminating this via schools and academies is fantastic.

“The Government is looking to almost double the cost of Carbon Credits to businesses from 2020, this means that the wise companies and even educational establishments like Bowland High School are making their own investment into renewable energy right now."

Anyone wishing to inquire about possible installation for their premises can go onto the website www.greenenergy-int.com or contact the company via email: info@greenenergy-int.com or 0161 696 7331