Solar photovoltaic systems, known as solar PV, turn sunlight into electricity you can use on site. Solar PV can bring clear benefits for your school and your community.
You can:
- get low or no-cost electricity during the school day
- cut your school’s carbon emissions
- set a clear and visible example to pupils, parents and the local community
- design a system that stores energy and supports low‑carbon heating
Watch our short video
In this short video, our energy expert Michael explains:
- how solar panels work
- the role of battery storage
- how some schools have funded solar in the past
Things to think about before you start
Roof position and condition
Your roof plays a big part in whether solar PV will work well.
- South-facing roofs are best
- East- and west-facing roofs can also work
- North-facing roofs are not suitable
- Flat or pitched roofs are both fine
- Roofs should be checked for leaks or defects before installation
Installers will also look for anything that could block sunlight, such as trees or nearby buildings.
Understanding the costs and savings
Cost is often the biggest concern for schools. Prices vary, but the table below shows typical ranges.
Typical costs and savings
| System size | Approximate annual savings | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | £560 to £1,200 | £8,000 to £13,000 |
| Medium | £1,440 to £3,500 | £15,000 to £32,000 |
| Large | £4,250 to £7,000 | £36,000 to £60,000 |
Other costs to allow for
You may also need to budget for:
- the number of panels needed
- battery storage, if you want to store energy
- surveys, plans and ongoing maintenance
Hosting solar panels with Low Carbon Hub
Low Carbon Hub has supported many schools in Oxfordshire. They raise money through community energy share offers and use this to install and maintain solar panels on school roofs.
For some schools, this means solar panels at no upfront cost.
Check if your school could be eligible
Before applying, your school should meet all of these points:
- south-facing roof in good condition
- more than 250 square metres of roof space
- annual electricity use above 100,000 kilowatt hours
- you own the site or have a lease of 10 years or more
- support from your senior leadership team and governors
What your school could gain
If your school is suitable, you could benefit from:
- solar panels installed at no cost to you
- insurance and maintenance covered
- annual reports on system performance
- a 10 to 25 year agreement with a fixed price for electricity
You can see examples of schools Low Carbon Hub has worked with on their website.