Energy Savers

Energy Savers

A community energy group is planning to expand the reach of its solar panel schemes installed in local schools, by offering energy efficiency advice to pupils and parents.

Organisation behind the project

Greater Manchester Community Renewables (GMCR) is a community energy group which raises money from the community to install solar panels on schools and community buildings, mainly in Salford, Greater Manchester, to help them cut their energy bills. So far it has installed solar panels on eight schools and a community centre.

Typically the solar panels help schools cut their energy bills by up to £1,000 a year. Members of the community who invest in GMCR earn a return of 2.5% to 5% a year and the original investment is returned after 20 years.

Background and detailed description of the project

By raising awareness of energy issues and climate change through the installation of solar panels, GMCR hopes to influence behaviour change by offering practical advice on energy efficiency measures and other ways to reduce carbon emissions.

Our £14,950 grant will fund the appointment of a community engagement partner who will help pupils and parents learn about the climate emergency and the steps they can take to reduce their energy use, at home and at school.

The Energy Savers project also provides an opportunity to engage with people who may be in fuel poverty.

The project will encourage members of the local community to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint in a number of ways:

  • Attend events in the local area and share knowledge and resources through face-to-face engagement
  • Contribute energy saving tips to GMCR’s website, social media and newsletters
  • Help the schools carry out energy audits to identify more opportunities to save energy
  • Support the school in accessing specialist educational support
  • Encourage and manage volunteers to deliver community engagement activities by sharing knowledge and mentoring.

In this way GMCR hopes to leave an energy-saving legacy for the local community once the project concludes.

Where to go for further information

For more information on our community and local energy strategy visit our strategy page, or to find out more about the work of Greater Manchester Community Renewables visit their website.

Image: GMCR volunteers, the Mayor of Salford and children from Irlam Primary School and Fiddlers Lane Primary School at an event to celebrate the installation of solar panels on their school roofs.