Grants and Funding

We work with you to figure out the best way to fund the solar project and make it happen

Grants

Grant availability depends on the school type, its location, timing and a little luck.

Grants rarely cover the entire system, but can usually be combined with other funding options to improve the economics.

If relevant, we can help you apply for grants by providing you with everything you need to maximise your success.

danielle at national grid — Danielle Parker from Solar for Schools, and Ellie Patey, Community Engagement Manager at NationalGird

St marysn St peters — Students from St. Marys & St. Peters Primary School on completion of their solar rooftop installation

Donations

Schools can fundraise from parents and the local community when they want to own the system outright; or for trickier projects - where extra contributions are needed to make the financials work.

We work with an increasing number of corporate donors, who want to help fund projects that would otherwise not happen.

The Solar for Schools Community Benefit Society (CBS)

The Community Benefit Society (or CBS) was established to fund solar on schools. Like local community energy groups, the CBS is a non-profit society, and it is governed by the school members. It raises funds by offering modest financial returns to its investors, while delivering high social impact by helping schools decarbonise and teach sustainability.

Unlike local community energy groups, the CBS is not bound to a local area, so it can fund a school anywhere in the UK. Any profits that accumulate go directly back to the schools. Where the economics work, the CBS can cover up to 100% of the investment costs or can be combined with donations, grants or the school’s own funds.

Local Community Energy Groups

Local non-profit societies can fund solar on schools, in exchange for receiving an income stream from the sale of the solar electricity to the school and the grid. They raise funds from local investors who are prepared to take modest financial returns in exchange for high social impact in their local community.

Any surpluses in the society after re-paying investors is usually donated to local causes, as determined by the investors. There are over 400 such groups and we are working with a growing number of them.

We are a proud member of Community Energy England.

Your own funds

If you have surplus funds, investing them in your own solar may make sense. We can calculate the total long-term costs and savings forecasts for you, and provide you with all the information you need to decide.

You may be eligible for Department for Education grants. We can help you navigate these options.

Get in touch to find out more