UK schools solar programme reduces bills and carbon emissions

The Solar for Schools initiative has installed rooftop photovoltaic panels at ten schools in the Tees Valley region, funded by £180,950 in grants that unlocked £718,668 of match funding. More than 2,500 panels are expected to cut carbon emissions by about 201 tonnes of CO₂ and lower energy costs for the participating schools.

A second wave of the programme will see 150 schools and colleges in Yorkshire & Humber, the East Midlands and the South East of England receive privately‑funded solar installations at no upfront cost. Backed by up to £40 million of government support, the pilot is projected to save the education sector around £220 million on energy bills over the life of the panels and forms part of the Great British Energy Solar Partnership, which aims to make solar power available to every school and college in England by 2027‑28. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said, "Every pound a school saves on its energy bills is a pound that can be spent where it matters most – helping children achieve and thrive."