BACKWELL School is going solar-powered.

BACKWELL School is going solar-powered.

Staff and pupils are celebrating after being given 24 solar panels for free.

The panels will not be able to provide electricity for the whole school, but the equipment will help to save two tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

Youngsters will also be able to keep a check on the amount of energy the panels are producing and will be learning more about the environment and sustainable energy.

The solar panel system would have cost £22,000 so the school is delighted to have been chosen to receive free panels.

School bursar, Katherine Martin, said: "We are looking forward to teaching the youngsters about sustainable electricity.

"It will not be able to provide electricity for the whole school, but it's a start and it will show that we are committed to sustainable energy.

"We will also be receiving a display so we can see how much the energy the panels are generating.

"We would certainly like to get more solar panels in the future, but we haven't got much money so it will be a question of weighing up our priorities."

The school was one of five out of 100 to win a competition set up by energy company, Solarcentury, and Barclaycard to receive free solar power.

Backwell School is waiting for a final structural survey before the 4kw system is installed on the roof.

Staff will also be given a mini model of the system so pupils can carry out experiments on it and learn how the panels catch the solar power and convert it into energy.

A screen will also be set up in the foyer so students can keep a check on how much energy has been created by the system since it was installed and information on how many kilowatts it is generating at any one time.

Pupils will even be able to monitor the system online and show their parents the system.

Youngsters at the school have already been learning about the importance of recycling and the solar panels will help the pupils to become even greener.