SOLAR panels at a primary school in Wotton-under-Edge have already smashed energy targets in their first year of operation.

Blue Coat Primary School installed the solar panels nine months ago as part of a green energy project, which included installing a wind turbine and encouraging energy-saving behaviour amongst pupils.

The panels were projected to produce 3,500 kilowatts of energy in a year, which is equivalent to the average consumption in a normal home, or 10 per cent of the school’s electricity needs.

So far they have exceeded that targeted with three months to go.

Alex Alliston, a member of the parent committee pushing forward the green plans, said: "We are really pleased with the solar panels, they have been very productive."

Meanwhile the wind turbine is still switched off while the school waits for an Environmental Health Officer and the turbine manufacturer to meet on a windy day to test that repairs have ensured it runs quietly.