E-ACT Academy Trust

Key stats (12 schools)

• Sector: Education
• Installation size:  1.32MWp across 12 schools
• Annual generation: 1,090MWh
• Annual savings: £272,000
• Annual CO2 reduction: 226 tonnes
• Return on investment: 5 years

The challenge: Solar installations across 12 schools in a Multi Academy Trust

E-ACT is a Multi Academy Trust comprising 38 academies across England. Good Energy Solar successfully won a tender in June 2023 to install solar panels across 12 of the Trust’s sites – situated across Sheffield, Birmingham and Manchester.

With great teamwork, we commenced the programme just months later; having gained DNO consents, procured materials and scheduled the works amongst a very busy summer holiday calendar.

We were faced with a number of challenges along the way; for example, roof types we initially thought we couldn’t fit to and schools with high-risk pupils that meant even working during the holidays would be difficult. However, thanks to the knowledge from our highly-experienced surveyors and the relationships we built with the Trust’s Regional Estates Partners, these obstacles were overcome swiftly, and we managed to complete the programme by February 2024. 

The Solution: 1.32 MWp total solar capacity, with huge financial and carbon savings for the schools

Across a seven month programme, Good Energy Solar installed solar arrays at seven secondary and five primary academies, with sizes spanning from 32.2kWp to 208.84kWp. 

Annually, the 12 sites expect to generate 1,090MWh of solar electricity, which will present them with a significant saving of £272,000 a year in energy bills. What’s more, the substantial solar arrays will cut the Trust’s carbon footprint by 226 tonnes each year.

“I understand from the teams that Good Energy Solar has been great to work with, making their jobs much easier with all of the projects and I have found you to be very thorough and professional too. I hope we shall work with you again in the future.” E-ACT Academy Trust