Key facts
Funding routePublic Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding is focused on heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures, not generic solar-only grants for every school.
Current planningGOV.UK says there is no Low Carbon Skills Fund funding in financial year 2025 to 2026, so schools need existing estate plans or other project-development support.
GovernanceMaintained schools, academies and MATs need the right estate owner or responsible body involved before quotes are commissioned.
Quote evidenceCollect electricity data, roof surveys, asbestos register, electrical intake details, safeguarding/access constraints and procurement requirements.
Best fitHigh daytime load, stable estate ownership and a roof that does not need near-term replacement.
School funding routes to check
| Route | Best fit | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Salix / PSDS | Public-sector heat decarbonisation projects with energy efficiency measures. | Solar is strongest when it supports a wider decarbonisation case and the responsible body can manage grant terms. |
| Local authority or MAT estate plan | Maintained schools and academy trusts with capital planning already underway. | Use estate condition and roof evidence before commissioning detailed design. |
| PPA or financed solar | Schools that cannot fund upfront capex. | Procurement, long-term contract terms and savings share need careful review. |
| SEG export tariff | Sites exporting surplus summer or holiday generation. | Export value is secondary to daytime self-use during term time. |
Quote checklist for schools
- Confirm the responsible body: local authority, academy trust, governing body or diocese.
- Check roof condition, asbestos register, fire strategy, insurance requirements and safeguarding access.
- Use half-hourly electricity data where available, including term and holiday patterns.
- Ask for a solar-only model and a model that includes future heat pump or EV charging load.
- Document procurement route, grant deadline and who can sign the installation agreement.
Sources checked
- GOV.UK - Find government grants
- GOV.UK - business green funding
- Ofgem - Smart Export Guarantee
- GOV.UK - VAT Notice 708/6
- HMRC - solar panels capital allowances
- GOV.UK - full expensing and first-year allowances
- GOV.UK - green business rates measures
- GOV.UK - Rural England Prosperity Fund example
- Salix - Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
- GOV.UK - Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund
- Planning Data - non-domestic solar permitted development
Great British Energy is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the government-owned Great British Energy at gbe.gov.uk. Funding rules change; verify against official sources before committing spend.