• Five Greater Manchester schools are now powered by solar, saving around £40,000 a year on energy bills
• The panels will cut 40 tonnes of carbon annually and generate enough electricity to power 75 homes
• Schools are encouraged to express their interest in future phases of the programme

Schools across Greater Manchester are beginning to generate clean solar energy, cutting costs and supporting the city-region’s carbon neutral future.

Worthington Primary in Trafford, Longsight Community Primary, St Augustine's Primary, St Paul’s C of E Primary and Unity Community Primary in Manchester are the first of 35 schools in the Powering Our Schools programme to start running on solar power.

This means they will save around £40,000 every year between them on their energy bills, while also cutting down the amount of harmful carbon released into the air by about 40 tonnes each year. Together, the panels will create around 200,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power around 75 UK homes for a year.

Solar is a source of renewable energy that can save schools money on their electricity bills, protect against future electricity price increases and reduce carbon emissions.

This work is part of Greater Manchester’s wider pledge to tackle the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2038. It's all part of our vision for the next decade to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life by leading 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.

Investing in solar not only saves schools money, it also provides a powerful tool for teaching children about science, technology and climate change in action. This ensures young people see real examples of sustainability in their everyday lives, supporting both education and the region’s green future.

Councillor Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Green City Region, said:

"This programme is a great example of how Greater Manchester can use its scale to make a real difference for both schools and the environment. “By installing solar panels, schools are not only saving thousands of pounds a year on their energy bills, they are also showing pupils the importance of taking action on climate change. It’s about creating a greener future while giving our schools more security and resilience when it comes to energy."

NPS Solar, a Greater Manchester based company, are undertaking the design and installation work. Integrated property consultancy Barker Associates have also been appointed as technical advisor to support schools and help drive the programme to delivery. Schools that take part will receive high-quality solar installations from trusted suppliers, with centralised support from GMCA to make the process as smooth as possible.

By taking part in the programme, schools can cut energy costs, protect themselves against rising bills, and reduce their carbon emissions - all while giving pupils a real-life example of climate action in their own classrooms.

They will also gain access to expert advice, shared learning, and support at every stage of the journey.

GMCA is currently developing the next phase of the programme. Schools interested in taking part are encouraged to express interest here

Article Published: 13/11/2025 09:15 AM