Solar Panels for Schools
UK schools and Multi-Academy Trusts have unique solar opportunities — Salix decarbonisation grant funding, summer-holiday install windows, and STEM curriculum tie-in. We've fitted 8 school PV systems across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
The sector advantage
- Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) funds 30–50% of solar capex
- Daytime consumption matches generation perfectly — schools are 9-3:30 daytime users
- Summer holiday install window (6 weeks of empty buildings)
- STEM curriculum tie-in — generation dashboard for year 6 maths and KS3 science
- Public-facing decarbonisation message for prospectus + Ofsted
System sizes & payback
| Customer | Size | Annual saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small primary (1 building) | 30 kWp | £5,800/year | 4.5 years post-grant |
| Large primary / academy | 50 kWp | £8,600/year | 4.2 years |
| Secondary school | 100 kWp | £17,200/year | 4.0 years |
| Multi-Academy Trust (3-school portfolio) | 180 kWp combined | £32,000/year | 4.0 years |
What's different in this sector
Asbestos cement roofs
Schools built 1960s–1980s often have asbestos cement panels. Replacement before solar is routine and Salix often funds both.
Summer holiday window
6-week summer break is the ideal install window. We've done 100 kWp installs in 4 weeks during August.
STEM curriculum integration
Free monitoring screen for the staffroom or science lab showing live generation. National Curriculum tie-in for KS2 maths (units, percentages) and KS3 science (energy transfer, renewables).
DfE / MAT procurement
For state schools, procurement framework requirements apply (Crown Commercial Services / YPO). We're on YPO Solar Framework. Independent schools have free choice.
Real projects, real numbers
50 kWp
Chester Education Trust (3 schools)
£8,600/year saving, 4.2 yr post-grant payback. STEM tie-in featured in Ofsted report.
30 kWp
Manchester primary (Salford LA)
£5,800/year saving, EPC G→C, used for KS2 maths curriculum.
100 kWp
Cheshire secondary academy
£17,200/year saving + £8k Salix grant + EPC C rating
Common questions
How does the Salix grant work?
Can the install happen during term time?
Does it disrupt teaching?
Get a sector-specific quote
Free survey, full PV*SOL feasibility, AIA tax modelling. We work with portfolio landlords, farms, schools, hotels, and distribution centres across the M6 corridor.
Is your system worth upgrading? Find out free.
Tell us your postcode and what you have. A real engineer reviews it and comes back within one working day with an honest answer — including when the answer is "leave it alone".