First solar panels installed under government scheme

The first 11 schools have had rooftop solar panels installed, as part of Great British Energy's first project.

The 11 schools are estimated to save £175,000 per year after installing the solar panels. 

The remaining schools set to benefit will be announced this summer, with all schools that are part of the scheme expected to have solar panels installed by the end of the year. 

It follows the government’s announcement in March to award £180 million of funding for schools and hospitals to install rooftop solar, which is the first major project for Great British Energy - a company owned by the British people.

In England, around £80 million is supporting around 200 schools, alongside £100 million for nearly 200 NHS sites. 

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.

"Great British Energy is delivering rooftop solar as part of our Plan for Change that will support communities for generations to come, relieving pressures on our vital public services and ensuring investment is made in the future of our young people."

Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said: "Within 2 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.

"By partnering with the public sector as we scale up the company, we will continue to make an immediate impact as we work to roll out clean, homegrown energy projects, crowd in investment and create job opportunities across the country."

View the first 11 schools here.