Great British Energy Reaches 100 Schools Milestone

100 UK Schools Benefiting from Solar via Great British Energy

Thanks to Great British Energy-funded solar panels, classrooms and students are enjoying lower energy bills. So far, 100 schools and colleges have completed their installations, with around 250 expected to have solar panels by summer. This achievement marks a turning point for public sector sustainability.

Great British Energy and the UK Government are focusing on schools and colleges in deprived areas across the North East, West Midlands and North West. Making sure those most in need receive support, along with at least 10 schools in every region of England.

About 250 schools and colleges are expected to save an estimated total of £220 million over the lifespan of their solar panels. Easing financial pressures and freeing up more funds to invest back into classrooms.

What is Great British Energy?

Great British Energy is a publicly owned clean energy company designed to drive the UK’s transition to a zero-carbon electricity system. The organisation focuses on scaling up renewable energy infrastructure, lowering energy bills, and creating energy security for local communities.

Instead of relying on volatile fossil fuel markets, Great British Energy invests in homegrown wind, solar, and tidal power. By partnering with local authorities, businesses, and public services, the company ensures that the benefits of clean energy reach everyday people. Public buildings, especially schools, represent a prime opportunity to deploy these green technologies effectively.

Ambitious Goals for UK Schools

Schools consume a massive amount of electricity. From keeping the lights on in dozens of classrooms to powering computer labs and cafeteria kitchens, educational facilities face heavy utility bills. Great British Energy recognises this challenge and has set clear goals to address it.

First, they aim to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the education sector. By transitioning schools to renewable energy sources, they cut greenhouse gas emissions at the community level.

Second, the initiative focuses on financial sustainability. By lowering energy costs, schools can redirect those saved funds back into the classroom. This means more resources for books, equipment, and teaching staff.

Third, Great British Energy wants to use these installations as educational tools. When students see a renewable power system on their own campus, they gain firsthand exposure to green technology. This practical experience helps inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and environmental leaders.

Delivering the Vision

Great British Energy and the government are putting up to £255 million into adding solar panels and related tech, like batteries, to around 250 schools and colleges, about 260 NHS sites, and some military facilities. The move could save vital public services up to £520 million over their lifetime, just from the schools and NHS sites alone.

This follows last months government and Great British Energy £1 billion funding announcement under the Local Power Plan. The funding is aimed at helping communities own and manage clean energy projects, generating income for places of worship, social clubs, and community centres.

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.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband

Full details of the 100 schools that have already benefited from solar panels provided via Great British Energy can be found here

How E-Verve Energy Can Help With Your Solar Project

Whether you manage a school, a local business, or a community centre, you need an experienced partner to guide you through the process. This is where we can help. Named Most Trusted Renewable Energy Provider our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process. From concept and design to installation and maintenance.

At Team E-Verve we specialise in delivering comprehensive green energy solutions tailored to your specific needs. So if you are considering a solar project, let our team of experts help you with end-to-end support to ensure you achieve optimal efficiency and return on investment.

If you want to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you can start planning your transition today. Check out our interactive quote tool below and take the first step toward launching your own successful solar project.