Why schools and universities are investing in solar power
Solar energy for schools and universities is emerging as one of the most practical and impactful ways to cut costs, reduce carbon emissions and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.
In this blog, we share why educational institutions are investing in solar panels, supported by insights from real-world case studies. We’ll also overview what green grants are available for the education sector, and explain how you can access them to help reduce the upfront costs of solar for schools.
Solar for schools: cutting costs and protecting budgets
Few sectors have been hit harder by rising energy costs than education. Just a 1p rise in utility costs can add £14,000 a year to a school’s energy bill – the equivalent of half a teacher’s salary. Solar panels are a practical, direct, and long-term solution by offering predictable, reduced energy costs.
A recent example of this in action is with the E-ACT Academy Trust. With Good Energy’s help, they installed over 1.3 MWp of solar capacity across twelve state schools in just seven months. Coordinating works across multiple live school environments required careful planning, but Good Energy managed the installation, ensuring minimal disruption to lessons.
The systems are now delivering annual savings of around £272,000 while reducing carbon emissions by 226 tonnes a year.
Crucially, those financial savings are now being redirected. Solar panels have acted like a plug in the drain, proving that their upfront investment is not only about meeting sustainability targets, but protecting education budgets and ensuring resources can go where they are needed most – the classroom.
Solar for universities: reducing emissions and leading by example
The education sector is responsible for around 36% of emissions from public buildings in the UK. That makes solar not only a financial solution, but a critical tool to help institutions meet net zero targets and protect the planet. It also matters because today’s students want more than climate conversation – they expect climate action.
Bournemouth University has long been recognised for its commitment to sustainability but wanted to go further by embedding decarbonisation into its estate. Installing a rooftop solar system was a direct way to achieve that. Their 192-panel array is now saving the university over £20,000 annually and cutting 41 tonnes of CO2 every year.
For the university, the project has strengthened its reputation with prospective students and staff, demonstrating that environmental leadership can be lived as well as taught. Since the install, their campus facilities were even recognised in 2024’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which placed Bournemouth University joint 39th in the world for its progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Adapting solar for your building
Despite the clear financial and reputational benefits, for many schools and universities, the idea of installing solar panels raises practical concerns. Works would need to take place without disrupting lessons or exams, and some sites need an installer experienced in working around heritage and listed buildings.
Canford School is one such example of this. The independent school is set within a 260-acre estate with buildings dating back to the 1400s. They wanted to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while protecting their heritage buildings, both aesthetically and structurally.
In 2024, they partnered with Good Energy to install three rooftop systems across the boarding house, education centre and sports centre. They were delighted to find that we easily scheduled the works around holidays, ensuring minimal impact on pupils and staff.
One year on, the systems are cutting 179 tonnes of CO2 and saving the school close to £100,000 annually. For Canford, the project proved that tradition and sustainability can go hand in hand, evidencing that schools can safeguard educational budgets for years to come with solar panels.
How to reduce the upfront cost of solar panels for schools
Across the UK, there are a wide range of grants, incentives and funding schemes designed to make renewable energy more accessible for schools and universities. We want every business to be able to identify and apply for these opportunities, which is why we’ve brought them together in our regional grant breakdown.
Here, you can quickly pinpoint the support you may be eligible for, future-proof your operations, and get in touch with our experts, all in one place. We’re ready to help you assess your options, navigate the paperwork, and secure the best packages while making your school greener.
Why choose Good Energy for your school’s solar installation?
At Good Energy, we understand the unique needs of schools and universities — from minimising disruption during term time to ensuring every system delivers maximum long-term value. Here’s what sets us apart from other installers:
- Proven experience in education settings – We’ve successfully delivered solar installations for dozens of schools and universities nationwide, working seamlessly around term times, tight schedules and site restrictions to minimise disruption.
- Public sector framework approved – As an approved contractor across multiple public sector frameworks, we make procurement simple and compliant for single-site schools or multi-academy trusts alike.
- Bespoke, high-performing system design – Every installation is tailored to your site to maximise energy generation and ensure the best possible return on investment.
- High safety and technical standards – Our systems are built using durable, reliable components backed by long-term manufacturer warranties, ensuring performance and peace of mind.
- Advanced SolarEdge optimisation technology – Delivers enhanced safety, industry-leading efficiency, and real-time insight into each panel’s performance.
