Ready, Set, Solar

Ready, Set, Solar

January 20, 2025

Our promise to take action for people and planet is hitting new heights with the completion of a new solar panelled roof.

The new state-of-the-art solar PV roof, which has been installed on the top floor of the car park at Baltic Campus, is one of a number of initiatives which support our goal of reducing our environment impact in all areas of our college.

Despite limited sunshine during its first week, the solar PV roof generated an impressive 880 kWh of electricity.

To put it into perspective, this amount is enough to power around 8,800 LED bulbs for 100 hours each or charge 1,833 laptops for 8 hours each.

At full capacity, our solar panels can generate enough electricity in one day to power approximately 88 homes.

Rachel Leech, Sustainability Officer at Gateshead College, said: “It’s brilliant to see the solar PV roof all up and running.”

“Come summer, we’re hoping for some glorious long sunny days which will see them achieve their full potential energy output; in one day the solar panels are capable of generating enough electricity to power around 88 homes.”

We’re also working with the Gateshead Energy Company which uses old mining works to pre-heat the District Energy System, we’ve stepped-up our recycling in partnership with J&B Recycling and we’re encouraging a culture of reduce, reuse and recycle across our campuses.

Check out our Green Gateshead page for more on our sustainability promise.