By Robert Gould FRICS, Partner, Barker

The UK education sector is recognising the increasing importance of decarbonisation, with schools and colleges at the forefront of this movement. Solar PV (short for solar photovoltaic) systems are becoming one of the most accessible and impactful technologies for driving down energy costs and carbon emissions. But they are not a quick fix or a bolt-on. They are a significant capital project and must be treated as such.

As we prepare for ASCL’s Sustainability Conference in Manchester on 5 June 2025, it’s a timely moment to explore the strategic approach that school and college leaders should take. If you’re considering solar – or even if you’re unsure where to begin – these are the essential questions to ask and the foundations to put in place.

1. Treat solar as a capital project, not just an energy upgrade
Too often, schools and colleges view solar PV through the narrow lens of facilities or energy management. But a successful solar scheme is fundamentally a capital investment – with all the planning, governance, and due diligence that implies.

This means considering design options, meeting procurement requirements, engaging stakeholders early, securing necessary approvals, and integrating solar into your wider estates’ strategy. It’s not about installing panels, it’s about future-proofing your site and ensuring the system is optimised for your specific operational, structural, and educational needs.

2. Understand the options: design, technology, and funding models
Solar isn’t one-size-fits-all. A pitched roof array on a Victorian school block will differ vastly from a flat-roof installation on a modern sports hall – not just in aesthetics, but in performance and maintenance.

There are also multiple funding approaches:

• Self-funded schemes using capital reserves.
• Public sector decarbonisation grants.
• Operating leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) with third-party investors.

Each comes with trade-offs. PPAs can offer zero upfront cost but involve long-term commitments and less control. Grant funding may have tight timelines or eligibility criteria. Self-funding offers maximum autonomy but requires upfront capital.

Due diligence means evaluating each of these routes in line with your risk appetite, governance structure, and long-term goals.

3. Get independent advice
With energy prices volatile and a growing market of solar suppliers, the commercial pressures are real. But don’t rush in. Independent technical and strategic advice is essential.

At Barker, we’ve seen too many schools receive overpromised returns or poorly designed systems that don’t meet actual usage patterns or even meet fire safety and insurance standards. Independent feasibility studies and procurement support are vital for safeguarding your investment and ensuring best value.

4. Leverage the cost-saving opportunity
Solar isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the balance sheet. With electricity prices forecast to remain high, even modest systems can generate meaningful savings. For many schools, this creates a strong invest-to-save case.

This is more than an environmental initiative. With the right business case, solar PV can unlock finance, reduce operational costs, and enhance your long-term financial sustainability. It’s about using cost savings to drive capital transformation – a principle that funders, governors, and stakeholders understand and support.

Take the first step: self-assess your sustainability readiness
Whether you're ready to explore a project or just starting to build your strategy, our Sustainability Self-Assessment is a practical tool designed to help school and college leaders benchmark their current position.
It takes just a few minutes and provides tailored insights on opportunities, risks, and next steps – including how solar could fit into your broader Net Zero ambitions.

Take the assessment here.
Join us at the ASCL Sustainability Conference, 5 June, Manchester
ASCL Premier Partner Barker is the headline sponsor at this year’s ASCL Sustainability Conference.  Robert will be running a practical workshop on implementing solar PV and looking at real-world examples, funding routes, and what makes a scheme succeed.

Robert Gould FRICS is a Partner at Barker leading strategic sustainability and capital projects work across the education sector.