BUILDINGS, MAINTENANCE & REFURBISHMENT
Powering the future of education with solar
CHRISTELLE BARNES, UK Country Manager of SolarEdge Technologies, explains how schools and universities can fully harness the power of solar energy by exploring alternative funding options and implementing efficient installation and long-term maintenance strategies.
The main reason for any educational facility to adopt solar energy is the potential for significant cost savings. Energy bills are a major ongoing expense for schools and universities, and installing a solar system allows them to generate their own electricity. This is especially advantageous given that school and university buildings use a substantial amount of energy during daylight hours—when solar energy production peaks. This alignment can make solar energy particularly cost- effective, allowing educational establishments to potentially eliminate a large portion of their electricity bills and free up funds for other educational needs.
E
nergy costs are rising, and schools and universities already operating on tight budgets, are feeling the strain. At the same time, they face growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and set an example for the next generation. In this context, solar energy offers a solution that can reduce costs, meet sustainability targets, and create valuable learning opportunities for students.
Beyond financial savings, solar installations allow schools and universities to lead by example when it comes to sustainability. Many educational institutions are required to meet local sustainability goals, which can be more easily achieved with the adoption of renewable energy sources. Additionally, solar energy systems can become living laboratories where students can directly engage with the technology and learn about its benefits. This practical exposure fosters a deeper understanding of renewable energy and climate change, potentially empowering students to become future environmental advocates, or even sowing the seeds of interest for a future career in the growing renewables sector.
34
www.education-today.co.uk
Overcoming barriers to adoption With so many benefits to solar power, why aren’t more schools and universities making the switch? The answer often lies in perceived challenges— such as upfront costs, maintenance concerns, and a lack of awareness about available incentives. The most commonly cited obstacle is cost. While the financial advantages of solar are clear, the upfront capital expenditure required can be a significant hurdle for educational facilities with limited budgets. However, they don’t have to bear this financial burden alone. Government support programs—such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme—offer grants to help public sector bodies, including schools, to fund energy efficiency projects. Alternatively, schools and universities can explore lease financing or energy-as-a-service models, which enable them to pay for solar systems through manageable, ongoing payments, rather than an upfront lump sum.
Another common concern is the ongoing operation and maintenance of solar systems. Since school and university maintenance teams are typically not solar specialists, this can pose a challenge to long-term success. However, by choosing user-friendly technology that requires minimal upkeep, schools and universities can maximise the benefits of their solar investment without adding unnecessary complexity
February 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
