Solar panels could be added to Manor Park First School in Mellstock Avenue, Dorchester.

Six roofs, or sections of roof, at the school campus are being proposed for the 252 panels which between them could produce 87kw of power, saving 18,000kg in carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Because the amount likely to be generated is less than 1megawatt, the installation is not expected to need full planning permission.

With an overall roof area at the school of 2,483 square metres the panels with cover approximately 428sq metres, 17 per cent of the roof total.

Similar panels are being planned for County Hall in Dorchester, generating 200kw of power – the 600 panels being proposed will cover 15 per cent of the roof area at the Colliton Park site.