# Commercial solar for Schools & education

Schools, academies and colleges are well suited to funded solar. Large flat roofs, daytime term-time demand and pressure on both budgets and carbon targets make a PPA an easy win — cutting energy bills with no upfront cost and no drain on capital budgets.

A school’s electricity use — lighting, IT, catering and heating controls — falls squarely in daylight hours during term time, which is exactly when solar generates. That strong overlap means most of the power is used on site, cutting bills that would otherwise eat into teaching budgets.

For academies and multi-academy trusts, a PPA is especially attractive: there is no capital outlay to find, the system is fully managed, and the visible commitment to sustainability supports the curriculum and community reputation.

## Why it fits Schools & education

- **Protect teaching budgets** — Lower, predictable energy bills free up money for the things that matter — with no capital spend and no maintenance burden on the estates team.
- **Large, simple roofs** — School and college buildings typically offer big, unshaded roof areas ideal for a sizeable array.
- **A living sustainability lesson** — On-site renewables support net-zero commitments and give pupils a real example of clean energy in action.
- **Fully managed** — We design, fund, install and maintain everything, so busy estates and finance teams have nothing extra to run.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can academies and trusts use a PPA?**

Yes. A PPA suits academies and multi-academy trusts particularly well because there is no capital outlay — you simply buy the solar power at a rate below the grid, fully managed.

**What about the summer holidays when the school is closed?**

Solar still generates in the holidays; any surplus is exported, and battery storage can shift more into term time. Because term-time daytime use is high, the overall economics remain strong.

## Funding routes

| Route | Upfront | Payment | Ownership | Maintenance | Accounting | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) | £0 | Fixed rate per kWh | Yours for £1 at end of term | Fully included | Off-balance-sheet (operating cost) | Businesses that want no capital outlay, no risk and no maintenance — just lower bills from day one. |
| Outright Purchase (CapEx) | Full system cost | One-off capital cost | Yours from day one | Optional O&M package | Capital asset | Businesses with capital available that want the strongest long-term return and full ownership. |
| Hire Purchase (HP) | Deposit | Fixed monthly instalments | Yours at end of agreement | Optional O&M package | Asset on balance sheet | Businesses that want to own the system but spread the cost and protect their cash flow. |
| Leasing (Operating / Finance Lease) | Low / none | Fixed rentals (opex) | Return, extend or buy at end | Optional O&M package | Rentals as operating expense | Businesses that want minimal upfront cost and predictable, tax-efficient operating payments. |

**Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)** — Zero upfront. Pay only for the clean power you use.

Pros: No upfront cost or capital outlay; Rate guaranteed at least 30% below the grid; Fully funded, installed and maintained for you; System becomes yours for a nominal £1 at the end.

Consider: A long-term agreement (typically 15–25 years); You don't own the system during the term.

**Outright Purchase (CapEx)** — Own it from day one and keep 100% of the savings.

Pros: Best long-term return on investment; Own the asset and keep every kWh of savings; May qualify for capital allowances / full expensing; No financing or interest cost.

Consider: Ties up capital that could be used elsewhere; You're responsible for maintenance (we can provide it).

**Hire Purchase (HP)** — Spread the cost, own the system at the end.

Pros: Preserve working capital — pay over an agreed term; Own the system outright at the end; Tax-efficient: claim capital allowances and offset interest; Fixed, predictable monthly payments.

Consider: Interest applies over the term; Subject to finance approval.

**Leasing (Operating / Finance Lease)** — Low upfront, predictable rentals as an operating cost.

Pros: Little or no upfront cost; Rentals are typically 100% tax-deductible; Predictable, fixed payments; Flexible end-of-term options.

Consider: You may not own the system at the end (depends on lease type); Subject to finance approval.

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Source: [Commercial solar for Schools & education](https://ppafunding.com/commercial-solar-for/schools-and-education) · Contact: 01743 649 888 · info@ppafunding.com · https://ppafunding.com

PPA Funding is an independent introducer operated by DVC Group Ltd (Companies House 10462808), Shrewsbury — not the installer or the funder. The service is free to use; a commission may be earned from partner funders at no extra cost. Content is educational and is not financial or tax advice.