A Pembroke school hopes to install a solar array on their roof as part of an effort to improve sustainability and raise environmental awareness.

Carlos Ferreira, chairman of the Mount Saint Agnes Board of Governors, said the board agreed in 2019 to move the school towards clean energy and “instil environmental consciousness to an even greater level in Bermuda’s next generation of future leaders”.

The proposed solar installation - described by the school as the first phase of the project - would include 424 panels, each of which would be capable of generating 340W of energy.

The array, to be installed by green energy firm BE Solar, would produce 144.16kw and cover 7,876 square feet of roof space at the school.

Mr Ferreira said: “This is expected to achieve an annual electricity savings of approximately $68,600 in its first year.

“These and future cost savings will be redirected to other programs, such as our bursary programme, and learning experiences for our students.

“Further, over the next 30 years, the proposed system is anticipated to offset the combustion of 8,405 barrels of imported oil and 4,364 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.”

He added that the initiative would go beyond being a commercial installation and serve as an educational tool for pupils.

Mr Ferreira said: “As a part of their proposal, BE Solar will conduct small group workshops with our students to provide a hands-on learning experience about solar technology and the way in which it operates to benefit Bermuda’s environment.

“It is our aim to further increase the overall environmental awareness of our students and perhaps, motivate and inspire some of them to consider the field of environmental science as a viable career opportunity as they craft their journeys of being positive contributors to our community.”