Delivering on a Live Healthcare Estate
Delivering renewable energy infrastructure across occupied healthcare buildings requires careful planning and close collaboration with estates teams. Carbon3 worked closely with the Trust throughout the programme to schedule surveys, installation works, and commissioning activities around the operational requirements of each site.
Every building was assessed individually to determine its suitability for solar PV. Carbon3’s in-house design team developed bespoke system designs based on roof layouts, structural considerations, electrical infrastructure, and site energy demand. This ensured each installation was optimised to deliver the greatest possible generation and financial return.
By maintaining control of every stage internally, Carbon3 was able to manage quality, programme delivery, compliance, and health and safety requirements without relying on multiple subcontractors. The result was a streamlined installation process with minimal disruption to staff, patients, and clinical operations.
Funding the Project
The project was funded through Great British Energy funding, enabling the Trust to progress its decarbonisation plans without drawing upon valuable capital budgets that could otherwise be directed towards patient services.
Carbon3 supported the Trust throughout the development process, carrying out feasibility assessments, generation modelling, and the technical due diligence required to support a successful funding application. This helped demonstrate the environmental and financial benefits of the project while ensuring it met the requirements of the funding programme.
The completed systems now provide the Trust with a long-term source of clean electricity, reducing both energy expenditure and carbon emissions for decades to come.
Fully-Funded Solar for NHS Trusts
While grant funding opportunities such as Great British Energy can provide an excellent route to delivery, funding programmes are often highly competitive and not every Trust is successful in securing support.
For NHS organisations that do not have access to grant funding, Carbon3 offers fully-funded solar solutions. The installation is funded by Carbon3’s funding partners, removing the need for upfront capital investment. The Trust then purchases the electricity generated on site at a lower rate than grid electricity, delivering immediate savings while still benefiting from renewable energy generation.
This allows NHS estates to move forward with decarbonisation projects as soon as they are ready, rather than waiting for future funding rounds, while preserving capital budgets and providing a clear pathway towards long-term energy security.
The Importance of the NHS SBS Framework
The NHS SBS Decarbonisation of Estates Framework was developed to help NHS organisations procure renewable energy and estate decarbonisation projects quickly, compliantly, and cost effectively. Through the framework, Trusts can access pre-approved suppliers, established pricing structures, and specialist expertise without undertaking lengthy standalone procurement exercises.
As a leading supplier on the framework, Carbon3 provides a complete turnkey solution covering consultancy, design, funding support, installation, commissioning, and ongoing operations and maintenance. This enables Trusts to progress from concept to completion with confidence, supported by an experienced delivery partner at every stage.
Results
The programme has delivered 472.95kWp of solar PV capacity across ten Trust buildings and is expected to generate savings of more than £110,000 every year. The installations have reduced dependence on grid electricity, strengthened the Trust’s sustainability credentials, and contributed to the organisation’s long-term carbon reduction commitments.
Most importantly, every pound saved on energy can be redirected towards frontline services, helping the Trust continue delivering high-quality care while progressing towards a more sustainable future.
A Complete In-House Solution
From initial surveys and feasibility assessments through to design, installation, quality control, commissioning, and aftercare, every aspect of the project was delivered by Carbon3’s in-house team.
By combining technical expertise, funding support, compliant procurement, and long-term operational support under one roof, Carbon3 helped Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust transform unused roof space into a valuable energy-generating asset, delivering measurable savings and meaningful progress towards Net Zero.
If you need help putting together your feasibility assessments for GBE funding, or need compliant procurement, we can help. Contact us today.
