A primary school in Greengates has become the first in the district to be fitted with solar panels.

Pupils at Holybrook Primary officially switched on the green devices fitted to the roof of the building in Rillington Mead on Wednesday.

Not only will the technology help slash the school’s energy bill, but it provides an on-site platform for children to learn about green issues.

The 24 photovoltaic panels should generate around 3,300 kWh of electricity each year – enough to power a school computer for 33,000 hours or to make 180,000 cups of tea.

It should save around two tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Pupils can keep track of how much renewable energy the panels are generating and the amount of carbon dioxide they have saved to date by checking a monitor in the school.

The £20,000 solar panels are half-funded through The Co-operative’s £2 million Green Energy for Schools scheme, with match-funding from the Government’s Low Carbon Building Programme.

The school is one of 80 across the UK chosen to receive cash for renewable-energy technology as part of the second phase of the scheme.

Holybrook headteacher David Jones said: “We are already working hard to reduce the school’s carbon footprint.

“Switching on these rooftop solar panels will instantly boost our efforts while sending out a strong message about our commitment to helping the environment.”

Sarah Klueter, senior community manager at The Co-operative, said: “By switching on these solar panels, Holybrook Primary is teaching the next generation about climate change, while setting an excellent example to other schools, businesses and homes in Bradford.

Benton Park School in Rawdon will be the next school in the area to be fitted with solar panels courtesy of The Co-operative’s scheme.