Sectors · Schools & education
Solar Panels and PPAs for Schools and Education
Last updated 15 October 2026 · Figures indicative
Short answer: Schools, colleges and universities suit solar because they use most of their electricity during the school day, have large flat roofs, and can use the system as a teaching resource. They need the right approvals — academies from their trust and sometimes the DfE — and must plan for lower demand during holidays.
Why schools & education suits solar
- Demand peaks in the school day, matching daylight.
- Flat roofs on sports halls and teaching blocks host arrays well.
- Live generation data supports science and geography lessons.
- Solar helps meet public-sector carbon reduction targets.
Typical system size and savings
A secondary school with a 150kWp system, using 400,000 kWh a year. Generation at 950 kWh/kWp, 65% used on site, grid at 26p/kWh and a PPA at 12p/kWh.
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Annual generation | 142,500 kWh |
| Solar used on site | 92,625 kWh (23% of demand) |
| Year-1 PPA saving vs grid | £12,968 |
| Carbon avoided | ≈29 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
- Older blocks may have asbestos; the survey must check.
- Installation is usually scheduled for school holidays.
- Safeguarding and DBS rules apply to contractors on site.
- Summer holidays mean more export in peak months.
Funding options for schools & education
Maintained schools usually need local authority approval; academies need trust approval and may need to follow DfE guidance on leases and long-term contracts. PPAs, local authority schemes and Salix-style public-sector finance (where available) are the usual routes. 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
- Approvals: long contracts and roof leases may need DfE, trust or local authority consent.
- Holiday export: lower self-consumption in August reduces savings.
- Roof condition: many school roofs are near the end of their life.
Related sectors
Solar for schools & education: FAQs
Can an academy sign a solar PPA?
Yes, but it usually needs approval from its trust, and long-term arrangements over the land or roof may need consent under DfE rules. Start the approvals early — they often take longer than the technical work.
What happens to solar power in the school holidays?
The system keeps generating and surplus is exported. Under most PPAs export belongs to the provider, so the school pays only for what it uses. The price you pay per kWh is unaffected.
Is there funding for solar in schools?
There is no single national grant in 2026. Options include PPAs, local authority programmes, and public-sector energy-efficiency finance where available. Check with your local authority or trust.
Can solar be used for teaching?
Yes. Most systems come with online monitoring dashboards showing live generation and carbon savings, which work well in science, maths and geography lessons.
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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