Sectors · Healthcare & care homes
Solar Panels and PPAs for Healthcare and Care Homes
Last updated 15 October 2026 · Figures indicative
Short answer: Care homes, clinics and hospitals suit solar because they run 24 hours a day, every day, so almost all generation is used on site. NHS organisations have net zero targets that extend to suppliers, and a battery can add resilience for critical loads.
Why healthcare & care homes suits solar
- Round-the-clock occupancy keeps self-consumption very high.
- Laundry, kitchens and heating run daily.
- NHS net zero commitments extend to providers and supply chains.
- Batteries can support resilience planning.
Typical system size and savings
A 70-bed care home with a 60kWp system, using 350,000 kWh a year. Generation at 950 kWh/kWp, 90% used on site, grid at 26p/kWh and a PPA at 12p/kWh.
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Annual generation | 57,000 kWh |
| Solar used on site | 51,300 kWh (15% of demand) |
| Year-1 PPA saving vs grid | £7,182 |
| Carbon avoided | ≈11 tCO₂e/yr |
Grid rate within 24–28p/kWh (August 2026); PPA rate within 10–14p/kWh; carbon factor 0.2 kgCO₂e/kWh. Exported power is normally the provider's.
Roof and site considerations
- Smaller roofs mean systems of 30–100kWp are common.
- Work near residents needs careful risk assessment.
- Pitched roofs need panels suited to the tile or slate type.
- Backup needs specific battery design.
Funding options for healthcare & care homes
Care groups with several homes can bundle sites into a portfolio PPA, which helps smaller systems meet funders' minimum sizes. Single homes often buy or lease. Compare routes in our commercial solar finance guide and the PPA vs buying comparison, or read our complete guide to solar PPAs.
Sector-specific risks
- System size: single homes may fall below PPA minimums.
- Resident safety: work planning must protect residents.
- Resilience expectations: solar alone doesn't provide backup power.
Related sectors
Solar for healthcare & care homes: FAQs
Is solar a good fit for a care home?
Yes, because care homes use electricity day and night, so nearly all generation is used on site. Smaller roofs mean systems are modest, but savings per kWh are high.
Can solar provide backup power for a care home?
Not by itself. Grid-connected solar switches off in a power cut. A battery designed for backup, with suitable switching, can keep selected circuits running.
Can care groups combine several homes in one PPA?
Some funders offer portfolio PPAs that group several sites into one agreement, helping smaller systems meet minimum sizes.
Does solar help with NHS supplier requirements?
It can. NHS England asks suppliers to publish carbon reduction plans, and on-site solar provides measurable cuts in Scope 2 emissions.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors (DESNZ)
- legislation.gov.uk — The Non-Domestic Rating (Plant and Machinery) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022, SI 2022/405
- HMRC — Capital allowances: Annual Investment Allowance and first-year allowances
- Energy Networks Association — G98 and G99 connection requirements
- European Commission JRC — PVGIS photovoltaic yield tool
Price ranges for larger systems, running costs, batteries and PPA rates are indicative market ranges from UK installer, funder and market sources; no official series exists above 50kWp.
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