Solar for secondary schools and sixth forms.

Secondary schools are ideal solar candidates

Secondary schools typically have the strongest commercial fit for solar PV among UK education estates: large roof areas (often 1,000-5,000 m²), high daytime electricity consumption (science blocks, IT suites, sports facilities, kitchens, multiple buildings), and longer planning horizons that suit 15-25 year PPA terms.

Typical secondary school installation

A typical 800-1500 pupil secondary school consumes 200,000-500,000 kWh per year. Systems of 150-400 kWp are common, often spread across multiple buildings (main block, sports hall, sixth form centre, science labs).

• System size: 100-500 kWp (typically 250-1,250 panels)
• Annual generation: 90,000-450,000 kWh
• Annual saving: meaningful, depending on system size and grid tariff
• Installation time: 2-4 weeks, scheduled with your facilities team to minimise classroom disruption
• Funding via PPA: zero upfront capital; school simply buys electricity at fixed lower rate

Multi-building campus considerations

Larger secondary campuses often have multiple suitable roof areas. Systems are designed to maximise total generation while minimising electrical complexity:

• Main building rooftop, typically the largest available area, anchor of the system
• Sports hall, often a flat or low-pitch roof, excellent for solar
• Sixth form / science block, high daytime consumption, ideal for self-consumption
• Solar car ports, staff and visitor parking + EV charging integration
• Ground mount on unused field areas where applicable

GCSE and A-level curriculum opportunities

Secondary curriculum offers more sophisticated integration than primary:

• GCSE Physics, energy resources, electrical circuits, photovoltaic effect, efficiency calculations
• GCSE Geography, renewable energy, UK energy mix, climate change adaptation
• A-level Physics, semiconductors, p-n junctions, photon energy, electrical engineering
• A-level Geography, energy security, decarbonisation policy, urban sustainability
• A-level Economics, energy markets, externalities, government intervention
• BTEC Engineering, electrical systems, renewable energy technology, installation methods
• Design Technology, product design with electrical engineering integration

Live generation data through our monitoring portal becomes a real-world dataset for student analysis, statistics coursework, and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) research.

EV charging and battery storage integration

Many secondary schools are now adding staff EV charging stations and considering electric school minibuses. Solar + EV charging is an increasingly compelling combination: free solar electricity during the day powers EV chargers for staff, while excess generation can be stored in battery systems for evening use.

Capital programme integration

If your school is planning a building refresh, roof replacement, or new build (Condition Improvement Fund, School Rebuilding Programme, MAT capital plans), this is the optimal time to plan solar. We can sequence installation to coincide with other works, minimising disruption and often reducing combined costs through shared scaffolding and access.