Three East Riding schools cut costs and carbon with new solar panels

Friday, 11 September 2026

Three of East Riding’s schools have benefited from government funding for solar panel installation.

Withernsea High School, Kingsway Primary in Goole and Marshlands Primary in Goole now have solar panels on their roofs, following a Department for Education grant of £218,000. East Riding was awarded the most of any local authority in the country for the project. 

The solar panels are expected to save around £71,000 in energy bills each year, and will decrease emissions by 75,000kgCO2 per year – that’s the equivalent of non-stop driving for 42 years!

Schools display instant information of how much energy their panels are generating, the amount of carbon they're offsetting, and how much money they're saving. Pupils can see the financial and environmental benefits of solar power as it happens.

Withernsea High School has also benefitted from EV chargers, for four electric vehicles. 

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said: “I’m delighted that three of our schools now have the benefit of solar power – reducing costs for the schools and decreasing carbon emissions. The installations follow the completion of solar carports at our leisure sites, vehicle depots, Champney Treasure House roof and roofs of over 300 council-owned homes.

“The cost savings benefit every child, as each school can now reinvest these savings within the curriculum. 

“Pupils can see how renewable energy helps tackle climate change and deliver a sustainable future. The project will also help inspire children and young people to become the innovators, engineers and environmental leaders of tomorrow.”

The council measures the carbon emissions for all schools and corporate buildings and have targets to reach net zero by 2050.

PICTURE: Marshland Primary School in Goole

marshlands primary school solar installation aerial shot 5

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