Solar panels for schools, FAQs
Honest answers to the questions our customers actually ask. Last updated for 2026.
These are the questions headteachers, school business managers and Multi-Academy Trust estates teams actually put to us — not generic solar FAQs, but the specific things that decide whether a school project goes ahead. They cover the money (how much it costs, whether you can get it effectively free through Salix, PSDS and CIF), the safeguarding (are your crews DBS-cleared, when do you work), the practical (what happens during the summer holidays, single-phase supplies, listed buildings), and the educational (can it be used in lessons). If your question isn't here, ask us directly — we usually reply within an hour in term time.
How much do solar panels for a school cost in the UK?
Typical primary school installs range from £35,000-£90,000 (30-80 kW). Secondary schools £90,000-£270,000 (100-300 kW). MAT-wide programmes can run £250,000-£1.5m+. Cost per kW is typically £900-£1,200 for sub-100 kW, falling to £750-£900/kW above 200 kW.
Can we get free solar panels for our school?
Effectively yes, the Salix Decarbonisation Loan provides interest-free funding repaid from energy savings, so the project is cash-flow positive from day one. PSDS Phase 4 grants and CIF (for academies) can cover 50-100% of capital cost. We've delivered school installs at £0 net capital outlay.
What is Salix Finance and how does it work for schools?
Salix Finance is a public sector body that provides interest-free loans for energy efficiency projects in schools and other public sector buildings. The loan is repaid from the energy savings the project delivers, typical repayment period 5-8 years. After repayment, all savings flow back into the school's budget.
How long does a school solar installation take?
Most installs are scheduled for school holidays. Physical install: 2-6 weeks for a primary school (30-80 kW), 4-10 weeks for a secondary (100-300 kW). DNO grid connection and Salix application typically run 4-6 months in parallel. From first call to commissioning is usually 6-9 months.
Are your installers DBS-cleared?
Yes, every installer entering a school site is DBS-cleared (Enhanced + Children's Barred List), refreshed annually. We follow KCSIE 2025 safeguarding standards: SBM induction, escorted access in pupil areas, signed-in/signed-out tracking. Several MATs have adopted our induction protocol as their standard.
Can solar panels be used as a teaching resource?
Yes, and this is one of the strongest reasons to install. Most of our school projects include a live-generation display panel for the lobby or main hall, and a curriculum pack tied to KS2/KS3 Geography, Science, and Design Technology. Pupils can see real-time generation, lifetime kWh, and CO2 saved. Several schools run a 'green ambassador' programme using the data.
What about generation during school holidays?
The summer holiday period is the highest-generation period of the year, and term-time-only schools have low daytime occupancy. Excess generation earns export income under the Smart Export Guarantee (4-15p/kWh). Adding a small battery (50-150 kWh) shifts holiday generation into term-time consumption, improves overall economics noticeably.
Can we install solar on a listed school building?
Often yes, with Listed Building Consent. We've installed on Grade II Victorian schools, country-house independent schools, and church-school estates. The conservation officer needs to be engaged early, sometimes panels can be limited to less-visible roof slopes or rear elevations. The consent process typically adds 8-14 weeks.
Will solar panels affect our school's Ofsted inspection?
No negative impact. Some schools have had positive mentions in inspection reports referencing leadership on sustainability and curriculum integration. Inspections focus on educational outcomes, solar projects don't typically come up unless used in lessons, in which case they're a positive.
What grants are available for academies vs maintained schools?
Maintained schools and FE: Salix Decarbonisation Loan, PSDS Phase 4, Mayoral Combined Authority schemes. Academies: above plus Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). Independent schools: typically self-funded via reserves or bonds. We map the right combination for your specific status.
How does this fit with the DfE Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy?
Solar PV is a direct contributor to the DfE strategy's net zero estate target by 2050, with milestone reductions at 2030 and 2035. Most strategy implementation plans now include on-site renewables. Solar provides clear, auditable evidence of progress, useful for trust board reporting and DfE returns.
What happens during the install, will it disrupt teaching?
We schedule the noisy and disruptive phases (roof access, scaffold erection, panel transport) for school holidays. Final commissioning and grid connection are 1-2 day events typically scheduled for an INSET day or Friday-evening switchover. Several primary schools have had pupils film time-lapse videos of the install for D&T classes.
Can a Multi-Academy Trust roll this out across all our schools?
Yes, and the economics are stronger at trust scale. We work with MAT estates teams to develop a portfolio business case (single Salix or PSDS application covering all sites), phased delivery aligned with school-holiday windows, and central monitoring across all sites. Several trusts have used a single feasibility study to scope their entire estate.
What about schools with single-phase electrical supply?
Common in older primary schools. Single-phase limits PV size to about 17 kW per phase before G99 application is needed; many primaries have 60-100 amp single-phase supplies that cap practical PV at ~13 kW. A three-phase upgrade may be needed for larger systems, we factor this into the feasibility study.
Is there anything specific to Church of England or Catholic schools?
Voluntary aided (VA) and voluntary controlled (VC) schools have a diocesan board involved in capital decisions. The diocese typically needs to approve material works to the building. Some dioceses have their own 'route to net zero' programmes (the Church of England target net zero by 2030) which align well with school solar projects.
Do we need planning permission?
Most school solar installs are permitted development under Class A Part 14 of the GPDO 2015. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and World Heritage Sites need additional consent. We confirm planning status as part of the feasibility study, typically resolved in 4-8 weeks for non-listed sites.