Hospitals and schools across England are set to save millions on energy bills following the installation of solar panels funded by Great British Energy.
Five NHS sites and three schools have already been fitted with panels, with a further eight schools due to join the scheme this autumn. In total, 11 primary schools and five NHS sites are expected to save a combined £3.8m over their lifetimes.
The rollout is part of a £180m government programme supporting schools and hospitals to install rooftop solar, marking Great British Energy’s first major project. Around £80 million is allocated to 200 schools, with £100m funding installations at nearly 200 NHS sites – covering about a third of NHS trusts.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“Great British Energy is helping your local school or hospital save money on its bills, to be reinvested into the frontline, from textbooks to teachers to medical equipment.
“Across the country, solar panels are going up on rooftops or carpark canopies, to power classrooms and operating theatres with clean, homegrown power. This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, protecting our public services with lower bills and energy security.”
Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail added, “Our ongoing solar rollout delivers tangible benefits to the people that need it most in our hospitals and schools.
“Our continuing work is ensuring money is being put back into frontline care and education, providing cheap, clean and secure power.”
NHS England’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Chris Gormley, said: “Thanks to this new funding, we are set to expand solar generation by more than 300% across the NHS – slashing millions of pounds from energy bills, which can then be redirected into patient care.”
Schools involved also highlighted the benefits. Nicola Malone, Head Teacher at Christ the King Roman Catholic Primary School in Salford, said:
“The solar installation will make a lasting difference for our school, whilst showing our children the value of sustainability and emphasising our shared responsibility for the world around us.”
The scheme is expected to deliver lifetime savings of up to £400m for schools and hospitals across the UK.
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