Powering education with clean energy: how solar PV is helping four Essex schools cut costs and carbon
Why decarbonising schools matters:
Schools are at the heart of our communities and they’re also among the largest energy consumers in the public sector estate. Lighting, IT systems, heating, ventilation, and long operational hours drive up utility bills year-round.
As energy costs rise, more schools are being forced to make tough budget decisions: cut energy use or reduce teaching and extracurricular services. But there’s another option: investing in on-site renewable energy.
By installing solar PV, schools can take control of their energy spend, reduce long-term costs, and free up funding to invest where it really matters: teaching, student support, and learning resources.
It’s not just about finance. Installing solar helps students learn about sustainability in action, reinforcing environmental education with a live, real-world example on their own rooftop.
The project: four schools with one solar strategy
Carbon3 was appointed to deliver a multi-site solar PV rollout across four schools for the client, a forward-thinking academy group based in Essex.
The total capacity installed was 326.63kW, completed over an eight-month programme, carefully planned around school timetables to ensure low disruption to staff and students.
Carbon3 handled every aspect of delivery from survey and design to installation and commissioning with all works completed in line with strict health and safety and safeguarding protocols. All engineers and other site personnel were DBS checked prior to commencement of the project in order to prioritise the safety of the students.
The results:
These systems will continue generating energy and savings for decades to come, reducing reliance on volatile electricity prices and shielding school budgets from future spikes in energy costs.
Teaching students about sustainability:
Each of the four schools now benefits from a live learning opportunity. Students can access real-time energy production data, integrating the systems into science and geography lessons, while also seeing first-hand what sustainable technology looks like.
Carbon3 also worked with school staff to provide materials and training to support curriculum links and staff development, making solar a facilities upgrade and a teaching tool.
What this means for other school trusts and local authorities:
This project proves that with the right partner and funding model, solar PV is a high-impact, low-disruption investment for schools.
- The school gains reliable, long-term cost savings
- Headteachers and governors can demonstrate ESG leadership and Ofsted-ready sustainability action
- Students benefit from exposure to real-world sustainability practices
And all of it contributes directly to decarbonisation targets and education funding stability.
Interested in decarbonising your school? Email us for a quote today: info@carbon3.co.uk.
