Solar Panels for Schools
Installing solar panels allows your school to generate clean electricity directly on-site. You can use existing roof or ground space to install photovoltaic (PV) systems that reduce reliance on grid energy and lower long-term operating costs.
Schools consume large amounts of power for lighting, heating and technology. By producing your own electricity, you can cut bills and redirect savings towards educational resources, maintenance, or staff support.
Bespoke solar panel installation for schools
Nightingale Energy offers bespoke solar panel installation services for schools. Our process involves closely analysing your premises and determining how exactly to design and install the most efficient and effective solar array.
Our goal is to provide you with simple solutions which allow you to cut energy costs and spend this money where it matters most, as well as helping you understand government grants and local initiatives to make installing solar even more affordable.
Get in touch with us today to learn more.Solar Energy for Schools
Request a call from one of our experts today and get a quote within the week
Funding solar panel installation as a school
There are many ways for schools to fund solar installations, some of which include government schemes and initiatives.
The Great British Energy Initiative is one such route, through which eligible schools see fully funded solar panel systems added to their buildings.
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) allows schools to install solar panels with no upfront costs, where a third-party provider funds, owns and maintains the system while you pay only for the electricity generated, usually at a lower rate than grid power.
Alternatively, you can purchase the system outright using capital budgets or government grants. This option provides full ownership and allows you to benefit from all energy savings.
Some local authorities and energy companies offer fully funded or part-funded programmes for educational institutions. These schemes often include maintenance and performance monitoring, reducing administrative effort while ensuring long-term reliability.
Installing solar panels in schools: The process
When installing solar panels in schools, we operate under a 3 step process:
Planning and approval - We’ll conduct a survey of the school, assessing suitability and individual needs. A bespoke solar PV system will be drawn up to maximise energy generation. Also, we’ll guide your school in securing the correct funding and grants (if applicable).
Installation and activation - Our experienced team will conduct a seamless installation, typically during school holidays to reduce disruption. We use high-quality components alongside our expertise to provide a durable and effective system, before testing and activating the system.
Monitoring and maintenance - Part of our service is ongoing maintenance to increase the lifespan of your system and ensure high efficiency.
Solar battery and charge point installation for schools
On top of solar panels, solar batteries and charge points are ideal for many school premises. Batteries allow your school and staff to store excess energy produced during the day, and use it in the evenings or during cloudier days.
Charge points can also harness this produced energy, allowing staff or school transport vehicles to charge using on-site renewable energy, reducing fuel expenses.
Solar panel maintenance for schools
Solar panels often require minimal maintenance, but regular inspections will ensure that they are running and maximum efficiency all year round, as well as preventing unexpected damage.
Our solar maintenance packages for schools focus on implementing monitoring systems which track energy output and flags any technical or physical problems with the systems.
Understanding solar panel lifespan
Most modern solar panels last 25 to 30 years with gradual efficiency decline over time. The rate of degradation is usually around 0.5% per year, meaning panels still produce about 85% of their original output after 25 years.
The best way to ensure you get the most out of panels for the longest amount of time is to commission experienced and high quality solar panel installers.
The core benefits of solar panels for schools
Solar panels have a plethora of benefits for schools, but to make them more understandable, we’ve refined them into 3 core benefits:
- Financial - Schools significantly cut energy bills through decreased reliance on the local grid. This also protects against rising energy costs, allowing for more predictable budgeting.
- Environmental - Lowering carbon footprint is vital for schools as contributing to a healthy environment is highly important to many young people, and sets a good example to the future generations.
- Educational - Solar panel installations can help to educate young people on this technology, being incorporated into the curriculum to provide interesting and relevant learning experiences for children.
Solar Panel Installation for Schools
Request a call from one of our experts today and get a quote within the week
Support for schools moving to renewable solar energy
Financial support makes solar installation easier. Government grants, local authority programmes, and a variety of other schemes can reduce upfront costs or provide credits for surplus energy.
At Nightingale Energy, we provide support during the whole process of seeking solar solutions as a school. We’re here to advise, design, install and maintain solar systems which free up budgets for more important things, chat to us today.