Solarcentury and its partner Scottish and Southern Energy have been appointed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to supply and install solar panels on Britain's public buildings as part of its GBP50 million Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP). The initiative aims to fund installation of renewable technology on public buildings, including schools, in the UK. Solarcentury will partner with Scottish and Southern Energy to deliver solar installations with their electrical contracting business, Southern Electrical Contracting (SEC), and The Co-operative Group to assist with funding.

Solarcentury will help those who wish to install photovoltaic panels through the necessary feasibility, application and funding process.

In addition to helping power schools and public buildings with clean, sustainable solar power, Solarcentury will provide education and teaching materials.

As part of the DTI programme full and partial funding will be made available to help schools and other public buildings' go solar' from December 2006.

Interested parties are invited to register interest in photovoltaics for the LCBP.

Jeremy Leggett, CEO Solarcentury said: 'Solarcentury is delighted to be part of the DTI's programme and we are excited to see the DTI committing to solar power'.

'If schools and public buildings follow their lead they will find that solar in concert with energy efficiency can simply, immediately and dramatically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels'.

He added: 'Photovoltaic technology is a widely available clean energy solution that is both very effective and requires little ongoing attention'.

'Our 500 plus systems across UK businesses, homes, schools and offices will be reducing C02 emissions by more than 25,000 tonnes over the next 20 years, and we stand ready to do many more such installations.

'Calling for applications, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling said: 'It is vital that we cut the CO2 emissions from our buildings if we are to reach the UK's 60% reduction target by 2050'.

'Combining energy efficiency measures with the fitting of micro generation technologies on schools and other public sector buildings can and will make a real difference'.

Solarcentury has installed solar power for many schools including The Blue School, Somerset.

Head teacher, Steven Jackson, says: 'We are very proud of our solar technology as it not only demonstrates our sustainable initiatives, but complements our specialist science status with a fantastic teaching resource'.

'Schools have a responsibility to offer the best resources to their pupils whilst keeping costs down in the long run'.

He adds: 'It is fantastic that other schools will now have a chance to benefit from the best in solar technology'.

'Children respond to sustainable practice very well indeed and it is vital that we continue to engage them in their everyday lives'.

Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of Scottish and Southern Energy: 'We've believed for a long time that the way to kick-start a real interest in micro renewable technologies in the UK is for the government to lead the way by funding the installation of such technology on public buildings right across the country'.

'It's good to see this happening and great to be playing a role in making renewables do-able'.

Simon Williams, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Co-operative Group said: 'We welcome the announcement of the LCBP funding for renewables'.

'If climate change is to be tackled successfully it will require investment and innovation from many partners'.

He added: 'In addition to the GBP50 million provided by the DTI, The Co-operative Group will be providing GBP1m in 2007 to enable a further 100 schools to install photovoltaic panels at no cost to themselves'.