Schools in East Midlands could get solar panels from Great British Energy

There will be at least 10 schools in each region.

Hundreds of schools, NHS trusts and communities across the UK will receive new rooftop solar power and renewable schemes to save money on their energy bills, due to a £200 million investment from the UK government and Great British Energy.

In England around £80 million in funding will support around 200 schools, alongside £100 million for nearly 200 NHS sites, covering a third of NHS trusts, to install rooftop solar panels that could power classrooms and operations, with potential to sell leftover energy back to the grid.

The first panels are expected to be in schools and hospitals by the end of summer 2025, saving schools money for the next academic year.

The government will select the schools which will be primarily clustered in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands and North West.

There will also be at least 10 schools in each region.

Estimates suggest that on average, a typical school could save up to £25,000 per year, whilst the average NHS site could save up to £45,000 per year on their annual energy bill if they had solar panels with complementary technologies installed such as batteries.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Right now, money that should be spent on your children’s education or your family’s healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills

"Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline. Great British Energy will provide power for pupils and patients.

"Parents at the school gate and patients in hospitals will experience the difference Great British Energy can make. This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, with lower bills and energy security for our country."