Created: 4th June, 2025
In a significant move towards sustainability, pupils across the country will soon benefit from savings to invest in teaching and learning, thanks to rooftop solar rollout aimed at reducing energy bills. The solar arrays are funded by Great British Energy and are part of the government’s wider Plan for Change programme.
This rollout is part of DfE’s Net Zero Accelerator Programme run by LocatED. NZAP is designed to drive large-scale decarbonisation across the education sector and support the government’s net zero targets. The Barker-led consortium is among the partners selected to deliver the Net Zero Accelerator Programme.
The initiative has already seen the first 11 schools equipped with solar panels, leading to an estimated annual saving of £175,000. More schools are set to join the program this summer, with all participating schools 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 for the next generation.”
Tom Deacon, Partner at Barker and NZAP programme lead said:
“A typical school can save £25,000 per year through Solar PV. We are delighted to see these initial solar arrays installed, operating and delivering savings that enable schools to deliver better outcomes for their students.”
Read Gov.UK’s press release in full here.
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