Solar Panels for Schools
School Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy
Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

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Why Schools Should Consider Solar Panels

Schools should consider solar panels as a smart way to cut energy costs, improve sustainability, and demonstrate environmental leadership to students and the wider community. By generating clean electricity on-site, schools can reduce reliance on the grid, free up budget for educational resources, and create valuable teaching opportunities around renewable energy.

Solar systems also support resilience against rising energy prices and contribute to a greener future, aligning with many schools’ sustainability goals.

Spirit Energy helped many schools embark on the sustainability journey, including Hermitage Primary School, Green Roof School, and Sparsholt & Andover College.

How Solar Panels Help Schools Cut Costs and Emissions

Choosing solar energy in schools delivers more than financial benefits - it positions educational institutions as leaders in how learning environments are powered sustainably.

Solar for schools can support lighting in classrooms, IT suites full of computers, interactive whiteboards, sports hall equipment, and even electric vehicle charging for staff or visitors. By relying on solar energy in schools, institutions reduce dependence on the grid while keeping essential services running sustainably.

Using solar energy in schools, educational facilities not only save money but also show leadership in climate responsibility, setting a positive example for their communities.

What is the Payback Period for Schools Solar?

Schools that invest in solar panels can expect a payback period of around 5 to 12 years, with some larger or high-performing systems achieving returns in as little as 4 years. Because schools use most of their electricity during the day, when solar panels are generating power, they are ideally placed to maximise savings and reduce dependence on the grid.

By lowering running costs this quickly, solar energy in schools becomes a long-term financial benefit as well as an environmental one, freeing up budgets that can be redirected into teaching, facilities, and student support.

See financing options for your project here.

Sustainability in Schools: Leading by Example

Sustainability in schools goes far beyond recycling bins and energy-saving posters - it’s about embedding long-term, measurable change into the way educational facilities operate. From installing solar panels and improving energy efficiency to adopting greener transport options and reducing waste, schools have the opportunity to cut their carbon footprint while teaching students the value of environmental responsibility.

By making sustainability part of daily life, schools not only save money on running costs but also inspire the next generation to take positive action for the planet.

The main benefits of solar for schools are:

Lower energy costs – Schools can cut electricity bills significantly, freeing up funds for teaching and resources.
Sustainability – Solar panels reduce carbon emissions and support schools in meeting net-zero and environmental targets.
Educational value – Solar energy in schools can be used as a hands-on teaching resource, helping students understand renewable energy, climate change, and STEM subjects.
Long-term stability – Solar panels provide decades of clean, predictable energy with minimal maintenance.
Community leadership – Schools that adopt solar set an example of environmental responsibility and inspire wider community action.

Savings depend on roof space and electricity use, but many schools cut energy bills by 15-30% once panels are installed. That money can be redirected into teaching and resources.

Yes. Funding routes include government-backed schemes, council initiatives, and low-interest loans, all designed to make solar more affordable for educational facilities.

Most projects are completed within two to six weeks. Our team will coordinate a schedule that works best for your school, ensuring installation causes as little disruption as possible.

Yes. Many high schools, colleges, and universities are now combining solar panels for schools with EV charging points. Solar energy in schools can be used to power on-site electric vehicle chargers, supporting staff, students, and visitors who drive EVs. This reduces transport emissions, enhances sustainability credentials, and can even generate additional income if schools choose to offer paid charging.

Yes. Flat roofs are often ideal for solar panels in schools because they usually provide large, unobstructed areas for installation. Panels are mounted on angled frames to capture maximum sunlight, and the flexible layout makes it easier to fit the system around skylights or other roof features. Flat roof installations also minimise visibility from the ground, preserving the look of the school buildings while still delivering the full benefits of solar energy.

How Solar Panels for Schools Deliver Big Savings at Sparsholt and Andover College

One of the largest projects of its kind was the 633 kWp solar installation at Sparsholt and Andover College, delivered by Spirit Energy. Spread across 20 buildings, over 2,500 panels now generate around 570,000 kWh of clean electricity each year.

This landmark project shows the scale of savings and carbon reduction possible with solar for schools and colleges, highlighting how solar panels for schools can cut running costs while supporting sustainability goals.

Trusted Solar Panel Specialists for Schools

With energy costs continuing to rise and the pressure on education providers to meet sustainability targets, switching to solar is a practical way for schools to reduce running expenses and demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainable learning environments.

Spirit Energy specialises in solar for schools, offering clear advice on system design, expected performance, and the financial savings that can be achieved.

Our 100% in-house design and installation team helps schools make the most effective use of their roof space and delivers solutions tailored to both budget and long-term plans. Installations are built with future expansion in mind, allowing additional capacity - or even battery storage - to be added as the school’s energy needs grow.

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Vishal joined Spirit Energy a few months after Erica and Ian founded the business in 2010 as a project manager, and is now our Operations Director. All of our project managers and installers are in-house, and Vishal oversees them all and is in charge of making sure that every project goes smoothly and is installed on time. Vish has a wealth of experience with both commercial and residential projects, and directly manages every commercial project that we do, including our installations at Philip Dennis Foodservice in April 2024, and Hansgrohe's headquarters in September 2024.

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin is the backbone of the company and part of the leadership team. He has overall responsibility for the installers, electrical design and sign off of all systems as well doing a technical and structural survey for every project to ensure we can manage each job perfectly. His devotion and meticulous attention to detail has helped build Spirit into the reputable and trustworthy brand we are today.

You will most likely meet Justin on your technical & structural survey where he will plan your entire installation and run you through every minute detail.

Although care is taken to ensure that the information on our website (www.spiritenergy.co.uk) and any guides, calculators or checklists provided by us, electronically or otherwise, are accurate and up-to-date, we cannot accept any responsibility for mistakes or omissions. We enter into no express or implied conditions, warranties, terms or representations regarding the quality, accuracy or completeness of the information. We exclude to the extent lawfully permitted all liability for loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of your use of our website or any guides, calculators or checklists provided by us, or from any information or omission contained in our website or any guides, calculators or checklists provided by us.

Solar Panels for Schools
School Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy
Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

Why Schools Should Consider Solar Panels

How Solar Panels Help Schools Cut Costs and Emissions

Should Businesses Get Solar? Exclusive Interview with Hansgrohe’s Operations Director

Should Businesses Invest in Solar? - Spirit Energy YouTube Case Study.

Sustainability in Schools: Leading by Example

FAQ

How Solar Panels for Schools Deliver Big Savings at Sparsholt and Andover College

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Solar Panels for SchoolsSchool Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

Why Schools Should Consider Solar Panels

How Solar Panels Help Schools Cut Costs and Emissions

Should Businesses Get Solar? Exclusive Interview with Hansgrohe’s Operations Director

Should Businesses Invest in Solar? - Spirit Energy YouTube Case Study.

Sustainability in Schools: Leading by Example

FAQ

How Solar Panels for Schools Deliver Big Savings at Sparsholt and Andover College

Vishal GigaOperations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin ParsonsHead of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Solar Panels for Schools
School Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy
Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations