One of the biggest school solar roofs in Britain will be constructed on a school in St Leonards.

Energise Sussex Coast has announced plans that will see six local schools benefit from its community funded solar roof offer through its new renewables arm, Energise South.

Over 400 kw of solar will be installed on five of the University of Brighton Academies Trust schools as well as Sandown Primary School and it will be St Leonards Academy that, with 220 KW, will have the largest solar array at 220 KW making it one of  the biggest school solar roofs in Britain.

Local people are being invited to become members of the new co-op and help the schools benefit from cheaper and greener electricity and tackle the climate crisis. The minimum investment is only £50 with a maximum of £30,000. Energise South aims to provide a return of five per cent on investments. The launch will be at 6pm on September 18th at St Leonards Academy, Edinburgh Road, St Leonards.

To receive an invitation to the launch please email kate@energisesussexcoast.co.uk . People can also register their interest as www.energisesouth.coop.

Kate Meakin, director of Energise South, says: “It is apt that this launch is taking place just before the Global Climate strike on September 20th when school pupils from around the world have called on everyone to join them in a global general strike for the climate. These schools have listened to their pupils and are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Richard Fay, Estates Support Manager at the University of Brighton Academies Trust, says: “We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our schools and we are pleased to be part of this community initiative.”