Great British Energy solar panels for schools

23 schools have now installed Great British Energy solar panels and are cutting their energy bills.

Over 250 schools have already signed agreements to benefit from a share of up to £100 million in funding from Great British Energy and government for new solar panels and other energy efficiency measures.

The savings from cheaper energy bills can be reinvested in school services, textbooks and teaching.

The scheme will target schools and colleges with buildings that are able to accommodate solar panels in areas of England most in need. Therefore, the government has selected schools that will be primarily clustered in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands and North West, as well as at least 10 schools in each region of England.

Each region includes a further education college which will work with the contractors appointed to promote careers in renewables to support growth in the construction and renewables workforce.

Energy minister Michael Shanks said: "Great British Energy is helping schools to save money on bills, meaning more money for textbooks and technology.  

"Across the country, solar panels are going up on rooftops to power classrooms with clean, homegrown power.  

"This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, protecting our public services with lower bills and energy security."

Education Minister Josh MacAlister said: "Solar panels are slashing schools’ energy bills by thousands of pounds year after year, with the money going straight back into the textbooks and resources pupils need to succeed.

"This is part of our wider work to drive national renewal, rebuilding more than 750 schools in every corner of the country."