GARTOCHARN Primary School has embraced sustainable energy even further with the news they've secured a new solar PV system.

Absolute Solar and Wind has announced that it is to install a new PV system for the school.

The green flag eco-friendly school is situated on the edge of the village of Gartocharn in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

And this new project, which is designed to supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaics, will boost their energy efficiency credentials even further.

Absolute, a family-run company with 10 years’ experience, was successful in the open tender process for the contract and was appointed to install fuel supply and associated operation and maintenance of biomass boiler at Gartocharn Primary School.

West Dunbartonshire Council's education services committee last year approved a five-year supply and maintenance deal for the biomass boiler at Gartocharn Primary, which hopes to reduce energy costs and reduce the school’s carbon footprint.

As as result heating and hot water at the primary school will be provided by a solid biomass boiler- with a traditional oil fired boiler as back-up.

The solid biomass boiler is designed to burn wood pellets to provide hot water throughout the academic year and heating during the ‘heating’ season.

The oil-fired back-up system was also installed to provide any shortfall during abnormal winter loads and act as a standby should the biomass boiler require servicing or be off line for any reason.

Now the school will harness the power of the sun to reduce their energy costs.

Total costings for the project will be confirmed once the school's energy needs are established going forward.

Head teacher at Gartocharn Primary School, John McDonald said: "We’re pleased to have Absolute Solar and Wind return to install the solar PV.

"It’s important to us to reduce our energy use, being smarter about how we generate that energy is part of our futureproofing it. We look forward to seeing the results."

Absolute Solar and Wind is committed to encouraging young people’s interest in Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) projects, so the latest project will provide a great opportunity to learn about solar PV.

Managing director of Absolute Solar and Wind, Graham Provest said: "Absolute Solar and Wind is happy to return to Gartocharn Primary School to help them power up their energy production in a sustainable way.

"This project will promote understanding of carbon reducing and sustainable energy.

"We’re looking forward to engaging with the young people as the project nears completion to celebrate the installation."