The first 100 schools and colleges across England are now generating their own clean power, cutting energy bills thanks to new solar panels funded by Great British
Energy.
The milestone marks the early success of a national programme that will see around 250 schools and colleges equipped with solar panels by the summer. Once complete, the initiative is expected to save the education sector up to an estimated £220 million over the lifetime of the panels, freeing up millions of pounds to be reinvested directly into classrooms and student support.
Targeting support where it’s needed most
The rollout has focused on schools and colleges in areas of higher deprivation, particularly in the North East, West Midlands and North West. At the same time, the programme ensures that every region of England benefits, with at least 10 schools included in each area.
By prioritising schools facing the greatest financial pressure, the scheme is helping to ease rising energy costs while delivering long-term, locally generated clean power.
A wider investment in public services
The solar programme is part of a broader government-backed investment of up to £255 million, covering not only schools and colleges but also around 260 NHS sites and multiple military locations. Alongside solar panels, sites will receive complementary technologies such as battery storage.
Across schools and NHS sites alone, the installations are expected to generate lifetime savings of up to £520 million, strengthening the financial resilience of vital public services.
Skills, jobs and the green economy
Every region involved in the programme includes at least one further education college working alongside installation contractors. These partnerships will promote careers in renewable energy and construction, offering opportunities such as work placements, skills bootcamps and hands-on workshops.
The approach is designed to support workforce growth while giving students direct exposure to careers in the green economy.
Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband said: “Great British Energy has now helped 100 schools and colleges to save money on bills, meaning more money for textbooks and technology.
Across the country, solar panels are going up on rooftops to power classrooms with clean, homegrown power.
This is our clean energy mission in action, protecting our public services with lower bills and energy security”.
Great British Energy’s CEO, Dan McGrail said: “Great British Energy is delivering affordable, clean power where it matters.
Reaching 100 schools is an important milestone in our mission to cut energy bills and means more money can be spent on education.
Our Local Power Plan will build on this success so that by 2030, every community in the UK will have the opportunity to own and benefit from a local energy project”.
Minister for Education, Josh MacAlister said: “Schools and colleges are saving thousands on their energy bills thanks to our new Great British Solar panels, with the money saved going straight back into our children’s education to support pupils to achieve and thrive.
This is all part of our 10-year plan for a decade of renewal to transform the education estate so children and young people across the country are able to learn in brilliant, climate-resilient classrooms that are fit for the future.
Solar panels are not just good for the planet – they are an investment that keeps paying back into our schools and our children’s futures, and shows our children that they matter”.
Linking clean energy with education reform
The rollout follows the publication of the government’s £1 billion Local Power Plan, which aims to give communities greater ownership and control of clean energy projects, generating income for community centres, places of worship and social clubs.
It also aligns with the newly unveiled Education Estates Strategy, setting out a decade-long plan to upgrade schools and colleges so pupils can learn in high-quality, future-ready buildings.
At the same time, planned curriculum reforms will strengthen climate and sustainability education across subjects such as geography, science, citizenship and design and technology — from primary level through to the new Natural History GCSE.
Sustainable schools for the long term
The government has reiterated its expectation that all education settings should provide safe, sustainable learning environments. Support for schools developing and delivering climate action plans will continue through the Sustainability Support Programme until at least 2030.
For the first 100 schools already powered by the sun, the impact is immediate: lower bills, cleaner energy and more money staying where it belongs — in classrooms, supporting pupils.
Ms Helen Khinich, Kilburn Grange School’s Headteacher, said: “Over the past 12 months, we have reduced our electricity use by 35%, and the installation of 28 solar panels on our roof is projected to save our school a further £3,000 a year in energy costs. The Great British Energy’s solar programme has really helped schools drive down energy costs and provide much needed funds to reinvest into core education, as well as trips and experiences that make a real difference to children”.
Alun Williams, CEO of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Trust, said: “We were delighted for Peasedown St John’s Primary School to be part of the Great British Energy solar panels project. We are already seeing the positive impact of the solar panel installation in the form of reduced energy costs. These savings have been reinvested into providing high quality resources for the children at the school”. Photo by Harrison Keely, Wikimedia commons.