After repeated calls for help concerning energy usage and rising costs, the drive to equip schools with renewable energy sources is gaining momentum.
The Great British Energy scheme for solar installations has already delivered impressive results for 11 schools across England, reporting annual savings of £175,000.
However, headteachers and top-level decision-makers have a decision to make. Solar power is a worthwhile investment in their schools and facilities, however, affordability and meeting the scheme’s criteria have to be considered.
This article will explore whether to apply for a solar PV system through Great British Energy.
School solar PV system installation data
Recent government data reveals the real-world impact of Great British Energy’s inaugural school solar programme.
Harris Academy Chafford Hundred is saving roughly £44,500 every year from the installation of their 265kW installation, while smaller schools like Charles Warren Academy are making substantial savings of £4,500 with a 20kW PV system.
These are genuine savings already being reinvested in vital school supplies, teaching resources, and classroom improvements.
The scheme represents a vital component of Great British Energy’s £180 million commitment, with £80 million allocated specifically to support 200 schools, or thereabouts. Currently, however, only 20% of schools across the UK have solar panel installations, despite government estimates suggesting that an average school could save up to £25,000 every year, with the integration of solar panels and complementary battery storage systems.
What to consider before commissioning solar PVs for schools
Before pursuing an application for solar panels for your school, as a headteacher, you should carefully evaluate several key factors.
Roof condition and structural integrity remain key priorities, as solar panels require secure mounting points and weight support. The ideal placement should be somewhere that’s exposed to the sun throughout the day, free from shadows cast by nearby trees or buildings. Schools must also consider their obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). Appointing Principal Designers from the outset ensures sufficient time to gather all required project documentation and information, from ecological surveys and geological assessments to vital safety policies and traffic management strategies, if needed.
Electrical capacity is equally vital, with schools needing to ensure enough power to support the additional generation capabilities of solar systems. Battery storage systems must also be considered in some cases, which can enable surplus energy usage to be sold back to the grid. The Great British Energy programme includes support for these technologies, but an initial assessment will prove instrumental.
Consider not just the potential classroom disruption and installation time frame, but also the long-term implications. During such a project, some electrical connections may be temporarily interrupted, while rooftop work is unlikely to cause any major interference. That said, planning core work during the school holidays can be incredibly useful.
Why schools benefit from solar panels
Educational facilities and institutions are perfectly positioned for solar panels.
- Schools often feature expansive, flat roofs, which are ideal for solar panels.
- They consume large amounts of energy during peak daytime hours when solar generation is strongest.
- The Great British Energy scheme is ambitious and scaling up rapidly, with the public sector due to witness an ‘immediate’ impact as it expands.
- The programme itself is particularly targeting schools in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands, and North West, but the scheme covers all of England. This suggests that while competition may intensify in the coming months and years, it’s not confined to specific areas.
- Solar panels demonstrate a tangible commitment to renewable energy, positioning schools as environmental stewards within their communities.
Potential considerations of school solar panels
Despite the clear benefits of solar panels, schools must also be mindful of the challenges ahead.
- The application process involves several detailed project planning and technical assessments.
- Schools must be willing to commit to long-term arrangements, sometimes spanning decades, which must be carefully managed for future renovation work.
- While Great British Energy provides initial funding, schools must budget for ongoing maintenance and servicing every year. Quality is everything; poorly maintained and substandard systems are likely to underperform.
- Planning permission requirements vary by installation size and location, which may extend project timelines.
So, what should you do?
The financial savings from a Great British Energy solar panel adoption are enticing enough for schools, not to mention the energy savings and long-term energy security. That said, it would be naive to ignore the preparation and budgeting involved, which is why setting expectations is important.
That said, schools with the right infrastructure, capacity, stability and ambition should seriously consider making an application. Schools that embrace this programme while it still exists may find themselves at a tremendous advantage in the coming years. The remaining schools in Great British Energy’s current programme are yet to be announced, but all installations are expected by year-end. If you’re serious about giving your school a secure, energy-efficient future, then now’s the time to consider it.
Article by Dakota Murphey
