In a move that aims to cut energy bills and promote sustainability, Great British Energy has unveiled a £200 million initiative to install solar panels on hundreds of schools and hospitals across England. This landmark program, announced on March 21, 2025, marks Great British Energy's first significant project since its establishment to invest in home-grown clean energy solutions.
Under the scheme, approximately £80 million is earmarked for funding solar panel installations at around 200 schools, while £100 million will support nearly 200 NHS sites, covering a third of health trusts in the country. The initiative not only aims to enhance energy efficiency but will also give schools and hospitals the opportunity to sell leftover energy back to the national grid, offering a dual benefit of reduced bills and potential revenue generation.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the urgency and significance of this initiative, stating, “Right now, money that should be spent on your children’s education or your family’s healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills. Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the front line.”
The project is expected to deliver significant financial relief for educational institutions and healthcare facilities, with lifetime savings estimated to reach up to £400 million over the span of approximately 30 years. A typical school could save as much as £25,000 each year, while the average NHS site may reduce expenses by around £45,000 annually. This grant is designed to help alleviate the financial strains that have been exacerbated by rising energy costs.
Another key aspect of the initiative involves boosting local clean energy projects, with nearly £12 million allocated for local authorities and community energy groups. This funding will encourage the development of community-led onshore wind, solar, and hydropower projects, further propelling the transition to renewable energy sources across the region.
Additionally, £9.3 million will support clean energy schemes in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, enhancing the overall reach and impact of the program. The funding aims to equip local communities with the necessary resources to capitalize on renewable energy, thereby fostering greater resilience in their energy supply.
Authorities will prioritize schools and hospitals located in areas of deprivation while implementing the selected installations. Milestones include ensuring that at least 10 schools in each English region meet the criteria for solar panel installation, coupled with the introduction of further education colleges in each cluster. These educational institutions will collaborate with contractors to inspire students to engage in careers within the renewable energy sector.
With approximately 80% of schools and NHS sites still lacking solar technology, the potential for widespread impact is immense. An existing project at Hull University Teaching Hospital exemplifies this, where 11,000 solar panels installed previously saved the facility an impressive £250,000 per month last summer. Such successful models highlight not only the financial viability of renewable energy but also the significant operational savings achievable through investment in solar infrastructure.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson remarked that “the installation of solar will not only benefit schools financially, but will support pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.” This dual approach underscores the government's commitment to empowering children to become environmental stewards while simultaneously fortifying the future workforce amid a growing green jobs sector.
The anticipated installation of solar panels within schools and NHS buildings is set to commence by the end of summer 2025, allowing those institutions to capitalize on reduced energy expenses as early as the next academic year. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is overseeing the rollout, with plans to select institutions clustered primarily in vulnerable regions, from the North East to the West Midlands.
In summary, this comprehensive solar panel initiative is a significant step towards promoting sustainability in public institutions while alleviating financial pressure due to rising energy costs. It represents a proactive approach by Great British Energy, not only addressing immediate operational expenses for schools and hospitals but also fostering long-term sustainability and the growth of a green economy.