£175,000 saved annually across 11 schools in landmark step for clean energy and public service refor
In a milestone for the UK’s clean energy ambitions, the first 11 schools in England have installed rooftop solar panels backed by Great British Energy, collectively saving an estimated £175,000 per year. The move marks the start of a nationwide rollout funded by the government’s £180 million public sector solar investment initiative, aimed at slashing energy bills for schools and hospitals while driving progress on the green transition.
The installations represent the first phase of a broader plan announced in March, which includes £80 million earmarked for around 200 schools across England, and £100 million allocated to nearly 200 NHS sites – roughly one-third of all NHS trusts. The initiative forms the first major investment by Great British Energy, the newly established public energy company set up to advance locally owned, renewable energy infrastructure.
Government ministers said the savings from reduced energy bills will be reinvested into frontline education services, including more textbooks, teaching resources, and classroom improvements – a cornerstone of the government’s “Plan for Change” to reform public services. Further schools benefiting from the programme will be announced later this summer, with all participating institutions expected to have solar panels installed by the end of 2025.
“Solar panels on school rooftops mean energy bills are cut and money can be invested directly into improving young people’s education while helping to tackle climate change for the next generation.”
Michael Shanks, Energy Minister
Rewiring Education Budgets
Announcing the savings, Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Solar panels on school rooftops mean energy bills are cut and money can be invested directly into improving young people’s education, while helping to tackle climate change for the next generation.”
He stressed that the investment directly tackles rising energy costs that have strained school budgets and limited resources in recent years. “Great British Energy is delivering rooftop solar as part of our Plan for Change that will support communities for generations to come.”
Clean Energy, Clear Benefits
The rollout is intended not only to bring down utility costs, but also to boost the UK’s long-term energy independence. With volatile fossil fuel markets exacerbating inflation and putting pressure on public institutions, solar and other renewables are seen as critical to insulating the public sector from future price shocks.
Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said: “Within two months we are seeing schools supported by our scheme having solar panels installed so they can start reaping the rewards of clean energy – opening up the opportunity for more money to be spent on our children rather than energy bills.”
He noted that this rapid deployment demonstrates the impact of a public-first approach, with the company planning further partnerships across local communities, bringing jobs and investment in renewable technologies.
Education with a Green Edge
Beyond budget relief, the initiative is expected to support skills development among pupils and raise awareness of the clean energy transition. Education Minister Stephen Morgan said:
“Through our Plan for Change, this government is supporting schools to save thousands on their bills so they can reinvest into ensuring every child gets the best start in life. The installation of solar panels will also help pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.”
Currently, only around 20% of schools in the UK are equipped with solar panels, despite mounting evidence of their cost-effectiveness. Government estimates suggest that a typical school fitted with solar panels and complementary battery storage could save up to £25,000 annually.
Powering the Local Future
This initiative is a key plank of the Local Power Plan, the government’s strategy to ensure that communities directly benefit from the UK’s energy transition. In addition to enhancing energy security and job creation, the plan aims to rebuild public trust in services by demonstrating tangible, local outcomes from national policy.
Over the long term, the government estimates that the solar rollout could deliver lifetime savings of up to £400 million across schools and hospitals over the next 30 years. With public services under pressure and climate commitments looming, the programme offers a dual benefit of financial relief and environmental progress.
As the installations continue, ministers are hopeful that these early successes will inspire more schools to adopt solar technology and further anchor clean energy at the heart of public service renewal.
