South Cotswolds MP Opens Solar PV and Battery Scheme at Lea and Garsdon School

Roz Savage MP visited Lea and Garsdon Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire on Friday 12 September to open a major new solar PV and battery scheme developed in partnership with Wiltshire Council.

The scheme – one of the first of its kind in a maintained Wiltshire school – will generate around 88 MWh of clean electricity each year, cutting the school’s energy bills by an estimated £11,400 each year and reducing carbon emissions equivalent to 857 trees absorbing CO₂ or 66,700 car miles every year.

Lea and Garsdon School opted to develop the project itself rather than use a commercial provider, allowing it to keep more of the financial benefit. With a £100,000 loan from Wiltshire Council’s Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme plus over £20,000 raised from local residents, parents and businesses, the school expects to save over £380,000 on energy costs over the next 20 years after loan repayments.

During her visit, Roz met staff and gave a talk to pupils about her solo ocean-rowing adventures as an environmental campaigner. Drawing on her own experiences, she encouraged pupils to care for the environment and to recognise the power of small actions in driving change.

Speaking after the opening, Roz said:

“It is so inspiring to see Lea and Garsdon School leading the way with this fantastic solar and battery project. By harnessing clean energy, the school is not only cutting carbon but also showing the next generation how local action can help tackle global challenges. What makes this project especially powerful is the strong sense of community - a true collaboration between the school, local people and the council. These small-scale initiatives may seem modest, but when multiplied across our communities they make a real difference. I am delighted to support this scheme, and it was a joy to share my own story with the pupils about the importance of resilience, care for our planet, and the belief that change is possible.”

The project also acts as a live learning tool for pupils, helping them understand how renewable energy and energy efficiency work in practice. It follows the school’s earlier investment in air source heat pumps and behaviour changes which together have already cut energy spending by around 40 per cent.

With Wiltshire Council’s support and the enthusiasm of the school community, the scheme is expected to provide long-term savings on energy costs, cut emissions and inspire similar projects across the county.

ENDS