PORTLAND Bay School has more reason than most to hope the sun decides to make a return to the city soon.

That’s because a 78kW solar power system, involving more than 60 panels, was installed at the school during the recent holidays.

Most of the panels are on the administration building, which faces north and is clear of any overshadowing buildings or trees.

Principal Steve Crossley said it would eventually save the school a lot of money.

“It’s a pretty decent system and obviously the school uses a lot of power during the day when we’re open,” he said.

“The rest will go back into the (grid) (outside hours), we don’t store it ourselves, so it’ll come off our bill.”

The initial savings would go back to the Education Department to pay for the cost of the installation – expected to take about four years – then the school would directly benefit.

“It’ll be savings for everyone, the school and the taxpayer,” Mr Crossley said.

“It’s a clever way to fund it.”

Mr Crossley said students were also interested in the installation, with a couple of them doing school projects that tied in with it.

● Meanwhile the school is also looking forward to getting a new playground – which will also help with the environment.

Mr Crossley said it would be built on the hill which has erosion issues behind the school bordering the Portland Community Garden.

It would feature slides and a fort among other things “and hopefully lots of rocks to help with the erosion”, he said.

It was hoped the playground would be built before the end of the year.