A primary school in Gloucestershire has become the first school in the UK to use Sandtoft’s PV48 solar roofing system. Walmore Hill Primary School in Minsterworth near Gloucester was selected by Gloucestershire County Council to incorporate solar technology into the body of the new school roof.

Designed to integrate with virtually all types of slate and tile, the PV48 system incorporates black photovoltaic panels with matching, easy-to-fit flashings. 18 panels have been installed with Sandtoft’s Humber clay plain tile and the 20/20 interlocking clay plain tile.

Sue Meek, head teacher at Walmore Hill Primary School, said: “Walmore Hill is one of the first schools in the region to embrace this kind of technology. As we are in the building during daylight hours we can monitor the efficiency of the panels on the office computers. In today’s 21st century classroom the amount of electricity schools use is increasing, so the addition of the solar panels should help keep costs under control in the long term.

“The local community has really embraced the new roof and the children are fascinated by it, it certainly helps us stand out from the crowd without it being too overbearing for the age and look of the school and its surroundings.”

Andrew Lawton, sales director at Sandtoft Roof Tiles, added: “Walmore Hill Primary School is situated in a rural location, unobstructed by any adjacent buildings or trees; making it a perfect location to benefit from sunlight and solar technology. I’m delighted it’s been so well received.

“We have seen rising levels of interest in the public sector for PV48 and the ways and means of harnessing this type of technology. One of its key benefits is that it can be integrated with other manufacturer’s roof tiles and slates as well as those offered by Sandtoft, providing a flexible roofing solution. It can also be quickly and efficiently installed by any roofing contractor, which saves time and ultimately money.”