St Marks CoE Primary School

St Mark’s CoE Primary School, Islington

What was the project about?

Rooftop solar array (84.7 kWp) and battery system (48 kWh) to provide discounted electricity and energy cost savings to St Mark’s plus significant reduction in carbon emissions.

• Islington’s first community-owned solar scheme

• Power Up’s first community-owned solar installation in Islington and the first owned site with a battery system 

How was the project funded?

Islington Council and the Greater London Authority provided the capital grants that enabled the delivery of this project, with a small bridging investment from Power Up. 

These grants also made it possible for Power Up to offer a short lease of only 10 years after which the panels will be owned by St Mark’s.

When was the project delivered?

The project was three years in the making. Installation of the solar PV started during the school’s summer holidays in early August and was completed on deadline by 31 August 2026 in time for the new school term.

Who was involved?

The project involved multiple parties. It was a big team effort!

• School Governors: Robin Garrett & James Eggleston

• London Diocesan Board for Schools: Andrew Garwood-Watkins

• Islington Council: Elizabeth Ainslie

• Power Up leads: Tanuja Pandit, Director, and Associates John Ackers & Fred Wickham

Pro bono partners:

• Buro Happold engineers undertook the roof survey

• AHMM architects prepared the Certificate of Lawfulness application

• Charles Russell Speechlys undertook all the legal work for the lease and power purchase agreement (PPA)

Installation: Main contractor, Joju Solar  

What was the impact?

Forecast: 67,253.97 kWh generated per year, 61,393kg CO2e carbon savings over 20 years (data from GLA LCEF Savings Estimator)

What's next?

School assembly and/or workshops with students, staff and governors to explain the new installation and associated benefits.

Ongoing operation, monitoring of electricity generation and maintenance as required.

Messages from those involved

Tanuja Pandit, Director, Power Up: ‘After several years of planning, it’s so exciting to see this project come to fruition and for St Mark’s to start benefiting from cheaper, renewable electricity. As it’s our first community-owned solar installation in Islington and our first owned site with a battery system, it’s big moment for Power Up too.’

James Eggleston, School Governor ‘This is an important milestone for us. Installing solar will deliver direct financial savings which we can plough back into the school. It’s also a great opportunity for our pupils and our team to learn about renewable energy, how it works and how it contributes to a greener future.’

Anna Burrage, CEO, Power Up: ‘This project puts St Mark’s firmly on the path to full decarbonisation and provides a model for community-owned solar in Islington. Power Up is looking forward to delivering many more such projects leading to a greener, healthier and more resilient Islington.’