Govt and GBE invests £200m in solar power for schools and NHS
The first panels are expected to be in schools and hospitals by the end of summer 2025, saving schools money for the next academic year
The UK government and Great British Energy has announced a £200m investment to support new rooftop solar power and renewable schemes for hundreds of schools, NHS trusts and communities to save money on their energy bills.
The multi-million pound investment is part of the government’s Plan for Change, and is Great British Energy’s first major project.
Around £80m of the funds will be allocated to support some 200 schools in England to install solar panels, build local clean power and bring down energy bills.
The first panels are expected to be in schools and hospitals by the end of summer 2025, saving schools money for the next academic year.
It comes as schools and hospitals have been hit with large energy bills in recent years, which have cost taxpayers millions of pounds and eroded school budgets.
The government believes that GBE’s first investment could see millions invested back into frontline services to target deprived areas, with lifetime savings for schools and the NHS of up to £400m over around 30 years.
Estimates suggest that, on average, a typical school could save up to £25k per year, whilst the average NHS site could save up to £45k per year on their annual energy bill if they had solar panels with complementary technologies installed such as batteries.
In addition, local authorities and community energy groups will also be supported by nearly £12m to help build local clean energy projects – from community-led onshore wind, to solar on rooftops and hydropower in rivers – that can help drive growth. These could generate profits which could then be reinvested into community projects or take money off people’s bills. A further £9.3m will power schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including community energy or rooftop solar for public buildings.
Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “With this investment we are backing our teachers and delivering for our young people – saving schools thousands on their bills to reinvest in a brilliant education for each and every child.
“The installation of solar will not only benefit schools financially, but will support pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.”
She added: “With tough choices needed when it comes to public finances, cuts to energy bills is just one part of our continued support for schools, providing better life chances for our children and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.”
