A hundred schools and colleges across England have now completed the installation of solar panels funded by Great British Energy, the government has announced.
The installations are part of a wider rollout that will see around 250 educational settings receive solar technology by the summer. The programme targets schools and colleges primarily in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands and North West, with at least ten schools in each region of England also set to benefit.
According to the government, participating schools and colleges are expected to save an estimated combined £220 million over the lifetime of the panels, reducing pressure on budgets and allowing more funds to be reinvested in classrooms.
The scheme forms part of a wider £255 million investment by Great British Energy and the government to install solar panels and complementary technologies, including batteries, on around 250 schools and colleges, approximately 260 NHS sites and multiple military sites. Estimated lifetime savings across schools and NHS sites alone are projected to reach up to £520 million.
The announcement follows the publication of the £1 billion Local Power Plan last month, which aims to enable communities to own and control clean energy projects, generating revenue for places of worship, social clubs and community centres.
Each region will include a further education college working with appointed contractors to promote careers in renewables through work placements, skills bootcamps and workshops. This is intended to support growth in the construction and renewables workforce.
The solar rollout coincides with the government’s commitment to curriculum reforms strengthening climate and sustainability education across geography, science, citizenship, and design and technology, including the introduction of a new Natural History GCSE.
All education settings are expected to have the opportunity to learn in safe and sustainable environments, with the government continuing to support the delivery of climate action plans through the Sustainability Support Programme until at least 2030.
Minister for Education, Josh MacAlister said: ‘Schools and colleges are saving thousands on their energy bills thanks to our new Great British Solar panels, with the money saved going straight back into our children’s education to support pupils to achieve and thrive.
‘This is all part of our 10-year plan for a decade of renewal to transform the education estate so children and young people across the country are able to learn in brilliant, climate-resilient classrooms that are fit for the future.
‘Solar panels are not just good for the planet – they are an investment that keeps paying back into our schools and our children’s futures, and shows our children that they matter.’
Photo: Stefan de Vries
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