Solar PV

The installation of Solar PV is a complex subject for schools, with several options about the best way to proceed.  It should be noted that PSDS funding does not cover the cost of the installation of Solar PV.  First and foremost it is important that the structure, orientation, insulation and condition of the roof is suitable for the installation of Solar PV.  Advice may be required from Capital Estate Consultants or Regional Consultants.  It would also be helpful to get their advice as to the extent of Solar PV required, especially if consideration is given to the future electricity capacity required if the school moves to a heat pump solution.  

Once a suitable roof has been identified there are a number of funding options:

  • Utilising the additional DFC allocation provided in December 2022 for decarbonisation measures.  This would require a 10% liability for the Governing Board.  
  • Grant Funding through the SCA Allocation.  Again there would be 10% liability for the Governing Board.
  • Funding through a Solar Cooperative or Pay-back scheme, such as Solar for Schools.  This can be a confusing option as in essence the school is ‘leasing’ its roof space to a third party which can trigger Section 77 and also mean there are complex legal agreements.  Care should be taken with regards to pay-back tariffs which are often over a significant period of time (25 years) and may be subject to future volatility in the energy market.  The Framework is trying find a standard legal agreement for Church of England schools which would be acceptable to all parties and prevent each having to go through the same exercise each time.  In addition, several of companies who are equipped to assist schools to install solar panels are only really interested in larger projects at secondary schools.
  • The Church of England is hoping to launch a its own repayable lending pilot which will look to replicate the SALIX loan scheme which was suspended in 2020.  Work is currently underway to determine the size, scale and scope of the scheme and how it could be administered.