SCHOOLS across North Yorkshire have been urged by an environment charity to go green by installing solar panels in a bid to save them hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.

Friends of the Earth have appealed to North Yorkshire County Council after a freedom of information request revealed the 356 schools in the county spent £2.7m on electricity in the last year.

The charity claims that by installing solar panels to all schools in the county, the council could earn £2.8m, which would offset the electricity bill and leave cash left over to spend on equipment and trips.

But the county council said it would not be possible to put panels on all of its schools because of issues around planning constraints in national parks, and the structural strength of roofs.

Friends of the Earth campaigner for Yorkshire and Humber Simon Bowens said: “I’m shocked by how much schools are paying for their electricity and through no fault of their own – many just aren’t aware of the alternatives.”

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council said: “The council uses carbon reduction officers who work with pupils, staff and governors on a range of sustainability and environmental issues to help them put measures in place to reduce consumption of energy and water.

“We also have programmes that enable schools to improve insulation, draught proofing and undertake lighting upgrades.

“As part of this programme the county is working with a partner to roll out the installation of solar panels and a pilot has just been launched.”

Friends of the Earth has launched a competition for primary schools to win a set of solar panels. Entries close on Monday, December 15. Visit www.foe.co.uk/page/win-set-solar-panels-your-school.