The solar panels are designed to generate energy for lighting

St Katherine's School, near Avonmouth, will use the cash grant of just under �20,000 to put solar panels on the roof of its science block.

The funding is part of a �2m package announced on Monday for 18 solar energy projects in England and Wales.

Within five years, the school plans to be energy self-sufficient by generating enough power to meet all its own requirements.

'Community hub'

Head teacher Andrea Arlidge told BBC News Online: "We also want to generate surplus energy to go into the grid.

"We want to stimulate a real interest in science through people seeing it in action."

She said the themes behind the school's specialist college bid were self-sufficiency, sustainable development and renewable energy.

"We want the school to be the hub of an ethos that extends out into the community," she added.

Wind turbine

Energy Minister Brian Wilson said: "These projects will help us achieve our goal of doubling the share of renewable electricity by 2020.

"I am encouraged by the innovative ideas and products that are helping to harness the light of the sun," he added.

The grants are the latest round in the government's �20m commitment to solar energy projects as part of its renewable energy policy.

St Katherine's is a comprehensive school for 11 to 18 year olds which also plans to install solar water heating and a small wind turbine.