Medina High School has been awarded �43,000 from the government to put towards the scheme, the first of its kind on the island.

The new roof at the 1,050-strong school in Newport will not only be used to reduce electricity bills, but also act as an educational tool for pupils.

Software will enable students to examine the performance of the system.

Renewable energy

Visual displays showing the power output of the installation and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions will be mounted in the school's reception.

At its peak the system can generate enough electricity to run 46 computers.

Headteacher Richard Williams said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Medina High to be one of the leading schools for renewable energy technology, not just on the island but in the UK.

"It will be an excellent example to our students, who will be able to use it in their studies, and I hope that it also becomes an example to other businesses and organisations on the island to demonstrate what is possible."

The scheme is one of 24 solar energy projects funded throughout the UK by a �2.2m government package.