Schools Solar Panels

Maximise Energy Savings with Kembla

At Kembla, we understand schools’ unique challenges and opportunities in managing energy costs and embracing sustainability through energy efficiency projects. Our solar panels installation services for schools are tailored to meet the unique needs of institutions, providing cost-effective, safe, and sustainable energy solutions that cut energy bills.

Why Solar Panels for Schools?

Operational Efficiency: Schools primarily operate during daylight hours, making solar panels an ideal solution to harness energy when needed. Solar systems ensure maximum usage of generated energy during peak operational hours, reducing dependency on grid electricity.
Cost Savings: Energy is often the second-largest school expense after staffing. Installing solar panels can reduce electricity bills by an average of 30%, with a return on investment typically achieved in 4-6 years. These savings can be redirected to other critical areas of education. Additionally, community energy initiatives and funding programmes can provide schools access to renewable energy solutions, resulting in immediate bill savings.
Sustainability Education: Solar energy systems align with sustainability goals and provide a platform for educating students about renewable energy and environmental responsibility. This initiative can inspire the next generation to champion green practices and energy conservation.

Protection Against Rising Energy Costs

Installing solar panels offers schools a robust defence against rising energy costs. By generating free electricity during daylight hours, solar panels reduce the need to purchase electricity from the grid, leading to substantial savings on energy bills. This is particularly beneficial for schools, which consume significant energy daily.

Moreover, solar panels act as a hedge against increasing energy prices. As energy prices rise, the savings from solar panels grow, providing a financial buffer that helps schools manage their budgets more effectively. This energy independence is crucial for schools, ensuring they can maintain operations even during power outages by generating their electricity with a solar panel system.

Schools achieve immediate bill savings by investing in solar panels and gaining long-term financial stability and energy security.

Why Choose Kembla's Solar Panels to Cut Energy Costs?

Premium Products:
Our solar power systems feature industry-leading technology from trusted brands like SolarEdge, known for safety and performance.

Certified Excellence: With ISO certifications in quality, environmental management, and occupational health and safety, we meet the highest standards.

Proven Track Record: Our satisfied customers and glowing testimonials highlight our expertise and reliability.

Holistic Support:
From design and installation to maintenance and education, we provide comprehensive solutions for schools looking to adopt solar energy systems, contributing to energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and significant savings on energy bills.

School Solar Case Studies

Kembla’s commitment to excellence was evident in our first school project, where we faced supply chain challenges. We sourced critical components from overseas to meet deadlines, ensuring the project’s timely completion. This dedication to customer satisfaction and our proactive approach to problem-solving are hallmarks of the Kembla experience. Our projects often benefit from various incentives and subsidies that help schools and colleges afford the costs associated with solar PV installation.

Kembla has collaborated with several educational institutions to implement solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. Below is an overview of some of our projects.

Madeley Academy: Solar Panels Cut Energy Prices

Located in Madeley, Telford, Madeley Academy is a modern educational institution serving students aged 11 to 18. The academy partnered with Kembla to install a 403 kWp solar PV system to reduce environmental impact. This installation comprises 949 Trina Vertex S 425W Mono panels and is equipped with SolarEdge technology, including four 90 kW three-phase Synergy inverters and 476 P850 optimizers. A SolarEdge Wattnode Modbus Meter was installed for comprehensive import and export monitoring and a firefighter gateway to enhance system safety.

The system is projected to generate approximately 335 MWh of electricity annually, leading to a 26% reduction in electricity costs and a decrease in CO₂ emissions by 64 tonnes per year. This environmental benefit is equivalent to planting 2,983 trees. Installing solar PV panels in schools like Madeley Academy provides significant cost savings and contributes to climate change goals and long-term energy independence.

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Sandwell Academy: Saving Money and the Planet

Situated in West Bromwich, Sandwell Academy educates around 1,350 students from Year 7 to the Sixth Form. To address rising energy costs and climate change concerns, the academy collaborated with Kembla to install the school’s renewable solution: a 304.85 kWp solar PV system. The installation utilized the building’s curved roof and existing plant room, featuring 670 Longi 455W Mono panels, five 50 kW SolarEdge three-phase Synergy inverters, and P950 power optimizers. A SolarEdge Modbus Meter was also installed for import and export monitoring, along with a firefighter gateway to enhance safety. The use of solar PV panels not only ensures long-term reliability and energy independence but also provides financial incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee.

Installing solar panels with Kembla is expected to produce approximately 266 MWh of electricity annually, resulting in a 24% reduction in electricity costs and a carbon footprint decrease in CO₂ emissions by 62 tonnes per year, equivalent to planting 2,849 trees.

Walsall Academy: Solar Panels Maximise Curved Roof

Located in Bloxwich, Walsall, Walsall Academy serves approximately 1,500 students from Year 7 to Sixth Form. As part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the academy engaged Kembla to install a 260.1 kWp solar PV system. The installation maximized the use of the academy’s south-facing curved roof and additional sections at the back of the building. The system comprises 578 Longi 450W Mono panels, two 100 kW SolarEdge Synergy Managers, and 289 P950 power optimizers. A SolarEdge Modbus device was installed for comprehensive monitoring, and a firefighter gateway was included to meet safety requirements.

The system is projected to generate approximately 229 MWh of electricity annually, leading to a 20-25% reduction in energy bills and a decrease in CO₂ emissions by 61 tonnes per year, equivalent to planting 2,802 trees. The installation of solar PV panels not only provides long-term reliability and energy independence and offers financial incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee.

These projects demonstrate Kembla’s commitment to providing tailored renewable energy solutions that help educational institutions reduce their carbon footprint, achieve significant cost savings, and promote environmental sustainability.

Our Planning & Installation Process

Step 1

Comprehensive Assessment

We begin with an in-depth analysis of your school’s energy needs, examining half-hourly usage data to design a tailored solar power system. This ensures optimal performance and maximised savings.

Step 2

Turnkey Installation

Our experienced solar panel installations team coordinate closely with school administrators to schedule work during holidays, minimising disruptions. From initial planning – including guidance on planning permission – to final handover, our process is seamless and efficient and can often be done over one to two weeks. We also highlight financial incentives, funding options, and long-term benefits that contribute to reducing energy costs and supporting educational initiatives by installing solar panels. Various incentives and subsidies can help schools afford the costs associated with solar PV installation, significantly reducing overall expenses.

Step 3

Safety First

Safety is a cornerstone of our operations. Using SolarEdge technology, our solar power systems include advanced safety features such as rapid shutdown, safe voltage at roof level, and temperature monitoring to reduce fire risk. Additionally, all systems integrate with school fire alarms for added security.

Step 4

Ongoing Support

We provide remote monitoring to ensure systems run efficiently and offer annual maintenance, including visual inspections, panel cleaning, and electrical testing. This preventive care safeguards your renewable energy investment and extends the lifespan of your solar panels.

School Solar Panel Financing Options

We offer flexible financing solutions to make solar installations accessible to schools, with potential funding from your Local Authority:

Capital Expenditure (CapEx): Schools can utilise government-allocated capital allowances to fund a solar panels projects.
Asset Financing: Spread the cost over manageable monthly payments to ease budget constraints for public sector organisations.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Install solar panels with no upfront cost. Under this arrangement, schools pay for the energy generated at a lower rate than traditional electricity bills, achieving immediate savings. Kembla can provide additional guidance to schools about the grant from the public sector decarbonisation scheme that can fund a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Schools can also benefit from returning excess energy to the grid, creating potential revenue generation opportunities.

Solar Panels to Enhance School Sustainability…and Your Children’s Education

In addition to energy savings, we support schools in fostering a culture of sustainability by implementing solar energy systems that provide educational opportunities. Our educational programmes help students understand the impact of renewable energy. Schools can showcase their commitment to green energy with interactive displays in reception areas, highlighting real-time solar power generation data. These displays engage students, staff, and visitors, turning sustainability into a visible and impactful part of school life.

Invest in your school’s future with Kembla’s solar panels solutions. Contact us today to start your journey towards sustainable energy and to learn how solar panels work for UK schools today.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of solar panels varies depending on the size and type of system and the installation company. On average, a solar panel system for a school can cost between £10,000 to £50,000 or more.

Solar panels are designed to last for at least 25 years, and many manufacturers offer warranties for this period. However, it’s common for solar panels to last 30 years or more.

Solar panels require very little maintenance, as they have no moving parts and are designed to be durable. However, cleaning the panels is recommended to ensure they operate efficiently. Kembla offers a comprehensive maintenance service that includes remote monitoring and scheduled on-site inspections.

Solar panels can be installed on most types of roofs, but the suitability of the roof will depend on several factors, including the size and shape of the roof, the direction it faces, and the type of roofing material. Kembla will survey your roof to determine its suitability and can advise of suitable roofers should alternations need to be made in readiness for solar.

The amount of energy that solar panels can generate depends on the size and efficiency of the system, as well as the amount of sunlight it receives. On average, a solar panel system can generate 2-5 kilowatts of electricity per hour.

Yes, several government incentives exist for installing solar panels, including the Smart Export Guarantee and the Salix Finance scheme. These incentives can help to reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels and make them more affordable for schools and businesses.