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UK schools accelerate solar shift with new investment
Wellspring Academy Trust has completed the first phase of a £1mn solar PV rollout across its school network. Meanwhile, the UK government’s newly launched £180mn Great British Energy rooftop solar programme has begun installations at schools nationwide.The first of six planned rooftop solar PV installations at Wellspring Academy Trust schools was installed at Springwell Alternative Academy Grantham in Lincolnshire, in partnership with Nottingham-based Geo Green Power.
The remaining five installations – at schools in Leeds and Collingham – are scheduled for completion over the summer, including the largest site at Springwell East Academy.
Once operational, the six systems will generate more than 341,650 kWh annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by 85 tonnes and saving approximately £92,000 each year. These savings will be reinvested in classroom resources and staff development.
‘Energy costs directly affect our school budgets, so investing in solar power means we can channel those savings into enriching the education we provide,’ said Mark Marples, Project Manager, Wellspring Academy Trust. ‘More importantly, our commitment to sustainable practices offers students a real-world example of renewable energy in action, helping them understand the science behind solar power and the importance of sustainability.’
Great British Energy solar programme expands school installations nationwide
In related news, the first installations under the UK government’s new Great British Energy rooftop solar scheme have also completed. Backed by £180mn in funding – £80mn for schools and £100mn for NHS sites – the programme supports around 400 public sector institutions in their transition to clean energy.
So far, 11 schools across England have installed systems, with total estimated savings of £175,000 per year. The remaining schools set to benefit will be announced this summer, with all schools that are part of the scheme expected to have solar panels installed by the end of the year.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: ‘Solar panels on school rooftops mean energy bills are cut and money can be invested directly into improving young people’s education while helping to tackle climate change.’
Currently, only about 20% of schools in the UK have solar panels installed. Estimates suggest that on average, a typical school could save up to £25,000 per year if it had solar panels with complementary technologies such as batteries installed.
Let’s Go Zero Campaign builds bottom-up momentum
Meanwhile, the Let’s Go Zero 2030 campaign, led by climate charity Ashden, is working to unite UK schools committed to reaching net zero emissions by the end of the decade, providing leadership, tools and advocacy to turn ambition into action.
The Let’s Go Zero initiative helps schools navigate the practicalities of reducing their carbon footprint – whether through behaviour change, retrofits or renewable energy adoption. It also seeks to influence policy by amplifying the collective voice of the education sector in climate discussions.
By empowering school leaders and connecting them with sustainability resources, the campaign plays a vital role in scaling climate literacy, cutting emissions and inspiring community-wide action from the ground up.
