Schools & Academies Solar

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Watts aren’t the only energy generated from solar panels: they can have a far more significant impact in opening eyes and inspiring minds.

And no solar energy system has more potential for this than one built on a school roof.

Solar panels for schools are a Phillips Energy UK speciality. With our help, many schools have turned their roofs into a source of new income, and a fresh new educational resource for students and parents.  It’s some of the most rewarding work that we do.

A solar power for schools project demonstrates a clear commitment to a sustainable energy future, and the students can feel proud that their school is ‘walking the walk’.  When some are still sceptical about the benefits of solar, a school solar array is visible proof that this technology works – cleanly and silently too.  The schools we work with are often Eco-schools or have dynamic student green groups.  A major solar panel project can be a real source of inspiration to them.  And we only need look at the school strikes to know that there is real passion for all aspects of environmental change.

Teachers can integrate solar power education into many aspects of the curriculum

• Physics – how solar panels work, conversion of energy between different forms
• Geography – the variability of the solar energy resource worldwide
• Maths – solar output datasets can be used for teaching statistics in a tangible way
• Sustainability – energy and carbon literacy (knowing what a kWh or tone of carbon is) will be critical for future generations to understand
• Citizenship – understanding climate change, and how solar power can help, teaches how we can become responsible citizens in our care for the environment

We connect our school solar power systems to a smart generation meter.  This meter logs all electricity produced to a centralised portal, every 15 minutes.  The school will have access to this portal, and teachers can download the high-resolution numerical datasets for use in their lessons.

Many of the schools we work with have also opted to have a display board installed somewhere public in the school.  This board gives real-time information on the electricity produced so that students can relate this to the weather outside.  It also shows the total generation and the amount of carbon that has been saved by the schools solar panels.  And of course, parents and teachers find this fascinating too!

It’s not just solar panels – we do also offer other green technologies for schools.

It is possible to install battery storage in schools, which can act as a further exemplar of green technology to the students. Schools who installed batteries have reduced their electricity demand to zero for much of the year.  However, because schools are mainly in use during the day, they can benefit directly for solar without the need for a battery.  In most cases, it is hard to create a financial case for batteries in schools, so this is very much a ‘nice-to-have’ should funds be available.

We will see increased demand for EV charge points for schools over the coming decade.  Teachers and parents will want to drive their electric cars to school and be able to charge up, as they would do at any workplace.

More interestingly, a bank of EV charge points in schools could become a community car charging hub.  A charging hub would serve anyone in the local area, and in particular, residents who do not have driveways (and therefore charge points) of their own.  Schools can use their position as a focal point of the community to provide clean electric mobility to their neighbours when it otherwise might not be possible.

Solar for schools is the installation of solar panels to generate electricity for schools. It provides a sustainable energy source and can reduce energy costs. It also allows schools to educate students on renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

Solar panels offer several benefits for schools, including:

• Cost savings: They can significantly reduce energy costs for the school, allowing more resources to be allocated towards other needs.
• Environmental sustainability: Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
• Educational opportunities: Solar panels can provide opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy and sustainable living.
• Energy independence and resilience: Solar panels can provide energy independence and resilience during power outages or other emergencies.
• Potential revenue: Schools may be able to earn revenue by selling excess energy back to the grid through feed-in tariffs.

That’s why solar panels are good for schools.

The cost of solar panels for schools can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the system needed, the location of the school, and the type of solar panels used. On average, the cost of a solar panel system for a school in the UK can range from £10,000 to £50,000 or more.

However, it’s important to note that the installation of solar panels for schools can often be subsidised by government grants and incentives, such as the Salix Finance scheme, which provides interest-free loans to public sector organisations for energy efficiency projects. The Schools’ Energy Coop, 10:10 Solar Schools, Friends of the Earth ‘Run on Sun’, Wey Valley Solar Schools, the Low Carbon Hub and Egni Coop are schemes that come financed by the local community, so the installation doesn’t cost the school a penny.

Additionally, schools may be able to benefit from reduced energy bills and potential revenue from excess energy produced by the solar panels through feed-in tariffs.

To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of solar panels for your school, it’s best to consult with a reputable solar panel installer such as Phillips Energy UK and discuss your specific needs and circumstances.

Schools in the UK can apply for government grants and incentives to help fund the installation of solar panels. This scheme provides interest-free loans to public sector organisations for energy efficiency projects, including solar panel installations. By installing solar panels, schools can benefit from reduced energy bills and potential revenue from excess energy produced.

To get solar panels for your school, find a reputable installer, get a quote, apply for funding, obtain necessary permits, and install the panels. Check for grants and government schemes to help with costs. Consider the school’s energy needs and potential savings.