A group of passionate volunteers want to kickstart a renewable revolution – starting with Salford schools.
Greater Manchester Community Renewables have already raised over £31,000 in the past month from a share issue to bring community-owned renewable energy to the region.
They need a minimum of £140,000 to proceed.
Two donors have already pledged a staggering £5,000 and £10,000 to the project.
Anyone who donates will get up to 5% interest on their investment.
The scheme will start by installing solar panels at Irlam Primary School and Primrose Hill Primary School in Ordsall.
Volunteers will also help Moss Community Energy install panels at Fiddlers Lane Primary School in Irlam.
Together the sites will save just under £50,000 on their energy bills over the course of the 20-year project, GMCR say.
With the inescapable farrago around Barton Moss, and news that fracking has been approved in Yorkshire, the issue has never been more relevant.
It’s understood each school will receive electricity from the solar panels at a 25% discount compared to their existing supplier.
Any money left over will go into a community fund to support eco-friendly projects across Salford.
In the first year GMCR estimate they’ll generate 110,000 kWh of clean, green electricity, saving around 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide
Ali Abbas, Director of GMCR, said: “We are delighted to launch our first share offer to give people across Greater Manchester the chance to invest in a project that will not only provide a financial return, but will also make a real difference to local communities and the environment.”
Elaine Darwin, Headteacher at Irlam Primary School, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this project.
“The solar panels will not only save us money on our energy bills, they will also be a great resource to help children and grown-ups learn about where our energy comes from and what it means for the environment.”
Former Mayor Roger Lightup – once a SalfordOnline.com volunteer reporter – was one of the first to invest.
He said: “This is a great opportunity to generate a long term income stream for further eco-friendly projects in Irlam and Ordsall.”
GMCR’s share offer is open until 30 June 2016, with a minimum investment of £100 and a maximum of £20,000.
Find out more at the GMCR Crowdfunder page.
