£80 million for schools to install solar roof panels

The energy secretary has announced that £80 million will support around 200 schools in England to install solar roof panels, as part of Great British Energy's first project.

The project will also support around 200 hospitals to install solar panels.

Work will begin immediately, with the first panels expected to be in schools and hospitals by the end of summer 2025, just in time for the next academic year.

Recently, schools and hospitals have struggled with rocketing energy bills in recent years, costing taxpayers millions of pounds and starving school budgets, which has been driven by the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.

With the new solar panels from Great British Energy, schools could see lifetime energy savings, with each school having the potential to save around £25,000 each year.

Local authorities and community energy groups will also receive nearly £12 million to help build local clean energy projects, such as community-led onshore wind and hydropower in rivers. A further £9.3 million will power schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland such as community energy or rooftop solar for public buildings.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: “Right now, money that should be spent on your children’s education or your family’s healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills.

“Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline. Great British Energy will provide power for publics and patients.”

“Parents at the school gate and patients in hospitals will experience the difference Great British Energy can make. This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, with lower bills and energy security for our country.”

Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “With this investment we are backing our teachers and delivering for our young people — saving schools thousands on their bills to reinvest in a brilliant education for each and every child.

“The installation of solar will not only benefit schools financially, but will support pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.

“With tough choices needed when it comes to public finances, cuts to energy bills is Justine part of our continued support for schools, providing better life chances for our children and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.”

Local authorities and community energy groups will also receive nearly £12 million to help build local clean energy projects, such as community-led onshore wind and hydropower in rivers. A further £9.3 million will power schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland such as community energy or rooftop solar for public buildings.