Woodchurch School
Woodchurch School, based in Birkenhead, has teamed up with Good Energy to make the most of its large roof space with solar installation. Delivered through the Great British Energy Solar Partnership, the project is helping the school manage energy costs, export surplus electricity to the grid, and spark interest in renewable energy for pupils.
Key stats
Size of system: 494.34 kWp
Number of solar panels: 924
Solar energy generated: Up to 2.47 GWh
CO₂ savings: 86.51 tonnes
The challenge: rising energy costs and barriers to solar investment
Like many schools, Woodchurch School was feeling the impact of rising energy costs. After coming to the end of a fixed-term energy contract, the school’s bills rose sharply, adding pressure to tight budgets.
The school was already taking steps to manage its energy use, including sensor-activated lighting and encouraging staff to switch off equipment when it wasn’t needed. Their staff and leadership are passionate about sustainability, with an active eco team.
Solar panels provided an opportunity to help the school manage its energy costs while supporting its wider sustainability goals.
When the opportunity arose through the Great British Energy Solar Partnership, the school worked with Good Energy, its governors and the local authority to make the project happen.
The solution: installing solar panels in a live school environment
With pupils and staff on site, installing solar panels required careful planning, clear communication and a strong focus on safeguarding.
Good Energy worked closely with the school’s leadership and operations teams to plan the installation, coordinate site access and minimise disruption to the school day.
“They communicated everything really clearly. They stuck to appointment times, which for us was really important because as Operations Leader of a school like this, my time’s limited as well.” Jan Walker, Operations Leader at Woodchurch School
Here’s how we helped to ensure everything ran smoothly:
- Collaborating with the leadership and operations teams to plan the installation, including surveys, site access and equipment locations.
- Providing DBS details for every member of the installation team, who also brought photo ID for the school to check.
- Coordinating equipment movements around pupil footfall and working respectfully around the school’s daily activities.
- Providing updates, keeping appointments and working flexibly with the school team throughout the project.
“Some comments that came back to us during the time that Good Energy were on site was that the school community didn’t even know that anything was going on.” Suzanne, Chief Operating Officer
The installation took place during term time, through a particularly wet February. Although the school was initially nervous about the potential disruption, the project ran according to plan.
The results: using solar panels to manage energy costs and support sustainability
Woodchurch School is already seeing the benefits of generating its own renewable electricity, predicting that solar would meet around 40% of its energy use.
The school is also exporting surplus electricity to the grid. This is particularly helpful during sunny school holidays, as it can get paid for excess electricity generated while energy use has been lower.
By generating more of its own electricity, Woodchurch hopes to reduce energy costs and create more space to invest in its pupils and facilities.
In the future, Woodchurch is interested in exploring battery storage to make even more use of the electricity its solar panels generate.
“Looking at what we produce, because our roof is huge and it’s covered in solar panels now, we are exporting to the grid a lot of energy. I looked in the half term a couple of weeks ago and the weather was amazing. We were producing so much and using very little because the school was closed.”
Jan Walker, Operations Leader at Woodchurch School
Bringing renewable energy into the classroom
“The energy savings are important, but we’re really excited about building on the educational side and helping pupils engage more with renewable energy and sustainability.” Suzanne, Chief Operating Officer
For Woodchurch school, the benefits of solar panels went beyond managing budgets. The school saw it as an opportunity to help pupils understand solar and renewable energy – making it something they can explore for themselves.
Jan explained how the installation prompted curiosity among pupils, with some stopping to ask the electricians about their work. The school hopes to build on that interest through assemblies and other educational activities. For example, the science department is interested in using the solar data they get from SolarEdge for lessons.
Solar panels are one element of the school’s wider sustainability work. They have also been supporting biodiversity with wildflower planting and potentially keeping bees, as well as looking at ways to reduce water use.
A positive solar experience for the whole school
“I would have no hesitation in recommending Good Energy and solar panels. We feel really proud and privileged that Good Energy and the Great British Energy Solar Partnership got this project rolling.”
Jan Walker, Operations Leader at Woodchurch School
Through close collaboration and careful management, the project was completed with minimal disruption to the school environment. Jan and Suzanne praised the Good Energy team’s communication, professionalism and consideration.
For Woodchurch, the project is an important step towards managing energy costs, supporting its sustainability goals and helping pupils understand the role renewable energy can play in a more sustainable future.
