Great British Energy, a new company owned “by the British people, for the British people,” has announced that they will begin their work by funding rooftop solar panels for 200 schools and 200 NHS sites. Backed by the UK government, funds will cover £200 million for renewable solar power systems. The initiative is designed to slash energy bills for the sectors that need it most, while promoting green energy security for the British public.
What Is Great British Energy?
Great British Energy is a publicly owned company that works in collaboration with local authorities to invest in clean energies for communities across the United Kingdom. Supported by the UK government and bolstered by £8.3bn in funding, Great British Energy’s main goals are to strengthen supply chains and create secure energy infrastructure that directly benefits the British population.
Why Rooftop Solar Panels?
Great British Energy promises to invest in and facilitate a variety of clean energy projects, of which rooftop solar panels play a key role. By facilitating this new solar energy infrastructure, they aim to:
1. Reduce Energy Bills
In the wake of skyrocketing energy bills, hospitals and schools have been struggling to keep the lights on. Given that solar panels are now the cleanest and most cost-effective energy source on the market, they make perfect sense as a money-saving solution.
In the past, solar panels were a more expensive energy option, but technology advancements have led to solar panel prices dropping by an astounding 90% in the last ten years. In fact, they now cost half as much as traditional fossil fuel alternatives.
According to UK government estimates, installing solar panels could help schools save up to £25,000 a year on energy bills, while NHS sites could reduce their annual costs by as much as £45,000. In fact, it is expected that in total £400 million will be saved over a period of 30 years. This money could then be reinvested back into communities, thus providing extra funding for the benefit of schools, healthcare sites, and local projects.
2. Increase Energy Security
Around 40% of the UK’s energy is imported from other countries, and this lack of energy independence is a key exacerbating factor in fluctuating energy prices. By increasing local power generation, communities will be less reliant on imported energy and can rest easy, knowing they have the infrastructure needed to produce their own. Unlike wind turbines, solar panels are quick to install, affordable, and use pre-existing, unused rooftop space. This makes them a versatile option for independent energy production.
3. Contribute to a Cleaner Environment
Rooftop solar panels emit zero CO₂ emissions once they are installed. Though there is a small amount produced in the production process, this amounts to no more than 50g per year over a solar panel’s lifetime… and is quickly offset within a couple of years of renewable energy production! This aligns with the UK government’s mission for the UK’s energy system to be 95% renewable by 2030, and for the NHS to be net zero by 2040.
4. Increase Green Jobs
The Great British Energy initiative promises to create around 650,000 new green jobs across the UK. This includes 1,000 jobs in Aberdeen, where the Great British Energy company is based. Given that solar is the fastest-growing energy sector in the world, it is expected that a large percentage of these jobs will be connected to the solar power industry.
Who Benefits from Solar Panel Funding?
Solar for Schools
At present, around 20% of schools in the UK benefit from solar panels—schools like St Andrews Primary School in Manchester that save thousands of pounds every year. Thanks to solar panel installation by Perfect Sense Energy, St Andrews Primary also saves around 36 tonnes of carbon every year, and is now recognised as a net carbon zero school.
Going forward, it is hoped that new clean power projects by GB Energy will see more schools making similar savings. The main recipients of the funding will be schools in deprived areas of the North East, North West, and West Midlands of England. According to education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, “The installation of solar will not only benefit schools financially, but will support pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.
Solar for Hospitals
NHS hospitals from across the UK will be selected for solar panel funding on the basis of expressions of interest. Only 10% of UK hospitals currently have solar panels installed, in spite of ample roof space, cost-cutting benefits, and the vision for a net zero NHS by 2040. But with GB Energy’s solar panel initiative, hospitals will now be able to afford the upfront investment that will take them to a cleaner, more energy-affordable future.
Solar Makes Perfect Sense!
Based in Manchester, we at Perfect Sense Energy provide expert solar panel installation across North England and the West Midlands, where the majority of the funding for school solar panels will be distributed.
As part of our service, we assess how much energy facilities use to determine the appropriate size of solar system for the building. We also assist in exploring funding options—whether through crowdfunding, government grants, or GB Energy contributions. We can help you find a funding solution that works for your education or healthcare facility.
From planning and installation through to maintenance services, Perfect Sense Energy delivers a stellar service in commercial solar panels. Contact us today to discuss options.
