So you’ve looked into the benefits of solar PV generation for your school and are ready to take the next step. This short resource looks at all the key information and considerations to note before you go ahead.

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In this short video you will hear our energy expert Michael talking about the benefits of solar panels, battery storage and how some schools have funded them in the past. Watch here:

Why solar PV for your school?

Firstly, let’s take a quick look at the benefits:

• You get low or no-cost electricity during the day
• Your school will cut its carbon emissions
• You’ll set a visible example to the local community
• It can be designed to store energy and decarbonise heating systems

A few tips for planning

If you’re planning to get solar for your school, there are a few things you need to think about:

• South-facing roofs are best, East and West facing roofs are also possible, but North facing roofs cannot be used
• Pitched or flat roofs are ideal, roofs should be checked for leaks or any defects before installation
• Contractors will also check for potential obstructions to sunlight, such as trees

Budgeting

One of the biggest considerations in installing solar panels for any school is the cost. The table below sets out approximate costs and savings:

Solar PV size	Annual Savings £	Approximate cost £
Small	£560 – £1,200	£8,000 – £13,000
Medium	£1,440 – £3,500	£15,000 – £32,000
Large	£4,250 – £7,000	£36,000 – £60,000

There are a number of costs to consider, including:

• The number of panels needed
• Battery storage costs, if required
• Plans, surveys, maintenance, etc.

Working with Low Carbon Hub to host solar panels

Low Carbon Hub has an excellent track record of raising funds through community energy share offers and using these to install and maintain solar panels on the roofs of schools in Oxfordshire at no cost to the school.

Before considering this, review their checklist for schools that they can work with. Schools should:

• Have South-facing roofs in good condition
• Have over 250m2 of roof space
• Use over 100,000kWh of energy
• Own the site or have a lease of 10 years +
• Have the support of SMT and Governors for solar panels.

If your school meets all these criteria, they could benefit from:

• Installation of solar panels at no cost to them
• Insurance and maintenance of panels covered
• Annual reporting on performance
• 10 – 25-year agreement at a fixed price for electricity.

See the schools that Low Carbon Hub has worked with here.

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Get in touch

Are you ready to take the next step? We’re here to help.

 For further information:

• See more free resources
• Ask a question via our Help Desk.