Community buildings – schools, churches and local halls – are some of the fastest growing adopters of rooftop solar across the South East. They have predictable daytime energy use, community facing missions and often the roof space and stakeholder mandate to make low risk, high impact investments. Below we explain the practical drivers, the typical project outcomes, and where SolarTherm UK has delivered results.
Why Community Buildings Choose Solar Now
Significant and Reliable Bills Savings
Schools and churches consume most of their electricity during daylight hours – the same hours solar generates the most electricity. That alignment means a high proportion of the solar generation is used on-site, reducing grid imports and delivering fast, measurable savings on energy bills.
Improved Resilience and Operational Control
Paired with battery storage (peak shaving or whole site backup), solar can reduce peak demand charges and provide short term power during outages – essential for safeguarding food services, IT, safeguarding systems and heating controls.
Strong Carbon and ESG Impact
Installing solar delivers an immediate reduction in Scope 2 emissions. For schools and faith groups that teach sustainability or report to governing bodies, that visible carbon reduction supports curriculum goals, community leadership and grant applications.
Educational and Community Benefits
Schools use live generation dashboards for STEM lessons; churches and community centres can display the system’s carbon savings to encourage congregation engagement and donations. Solar projects create local stories that strengthen community ties.
Attractive Funding and Low Risk Finance
Salix grants, green loans and energy performance contracts can make installations affordable with minimal capital outlay. Payback periods for correctly sized systems are often compelling when compared to long term utility inflation.
Common Project Types We Install for Community Buildings
- Rooftop PV – typically 10-100 kWp for schools and large churches
- PV and battery storage – for peak shaving, tariff optimisation and short duration resilience
- Metering and monitoring packages – generation dashboards for staff, pupils and congregations
- EV charging and PV – where parking is available, used to decarbonise fleet and volunteer travel
Real Projects, Real Results
We’ve worked with schools and churches across the South East, delivering measurable savings, carbon reduction and long-term energy resilience. Here are a few standout projects:
Bancroft’s School
In 2023, SolarTherm UK installed over 300 solar PV panels at Bancroft’s School, designed to generate approximately 110,000 kWh of clean electricity annually. In the first year alone, the school saved £14,637 on its energy bills.
Due to the success of Phase 1, we returned in 2025 to install an additional 132 panels, increasing annual generation by a further 49,682 kWh. This second phase is forecast to deliver an additional £9,233 per year in savings.
We are returning in February 2026 for Phase 3, expanding the system across another roof section to further increase onsite generation and long-term financial returns.
Newington Green Primary School
Newington Green was a project particularly close to our hearts — funded entirely through community fundraising and local determination.
The installation presented unique technical challenges. To protect the existing roofing warranties, we worked alongside Bauder Approved contractors, who carried out a specialist soft-weld installation to the Nicholson Rooftek system. This ensured full compliance, safety and warranty protection for the new solar PV system.
The system is projected to generate 77,353 kWh per year, with estimated first-year savings of £14,683. We look forward to revisiting the school in August 2026 to review performance data and measure real-world savings after their first full year of operation.
Sunfields Methodist Church
Facing rising energy costs, Sunfields Methodist Church approached SolarTherm UK for a solution that would deliver financial savings and greater energy independence.
In September 2025, we installed 28 solar PV panels alongside a 20.48 kWh Voltsmile H1 battery system. The system is forecast to generate 10,825 kWh annually, delivering estimated first-year savings of £2,669.
By incorporating battery storage, the church can store surplus daytime generation for use during peak tariff periods, further reducing reliance on the grid and maximising financial return.
The Experience Project – Whittingham Methodist Church
This installation comprised a 27.06 kWp solar PV system paired with a 20.48 kWh high-voltage Voltsmile H1 battery.
In its first year, the system delivered savings of £5,846, reducing grid consumption by over 50%.
Performance exceeded initial forecasts, improving the projected payback period from six years to just under four years after Year 1. The system is now estimated to deliver a lifetime return on investment of £591,135, providing long-term financial security for the church and community centre.
Technical and Practical Considerations for Schools and Churches
- Roof condition and heritage constraints – older church roofs and listed buildings need sympathetic mounting and often architect sign-off.
- Structural survey – always ensure your installer is carrying out an on-site survey. Some older buildings require strengthening or ballast systems, something that just cannot be seen on remote surveys.
- Electrical capacity and meter arrangements – many building need a modest electrical upgrade to host an inverter or battery. At SolarTherm Uk we manage this end-to-end, including liaison with DNOs where necessary.
- Safeguarding and procurement – for schools, ensure installers meet DBS and safer-recruitment policies and procurement frameworks.
- Monitoring and curriculum integration – export live data to classroom screens or church noticeboards to turn a capital project into an educational tool.
Funding Routes and Commercial Models
There are a number of funding routes for sustainable energy upgrades for commercial properties. The simplest option is capital purchase with capital allowances, providing the highest ROI and seeing your solar PV system as an immediate asset on your balance sheet.
Green Energy Loans are low interest loans designed for energy efficient upgrades, with lower upfront costs and predictable repayments, often being offset by savings on energy bills.
As we saw with Newington Green, charitable fundraising is a useful resource for schools, churches and community buildings. Local communities benefit from solar, benefiting from cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions. Many larger companies will also match funding, helping your community reach fundraising targets faster.
How SolarTherm UK Helps
At SolarTherm UK we install bespoke solar PV and battery storage solutions, designed to be reliable and perform for 30 years or more. We will be with you every step of the way, from initial enquiry, to sourcing specialist contractors where required, designing a system that is not only optimised for maximum returns, but also compliant with fire and safety regulation and for full MCS accredited installation.
Our dedicated and experienced team will be there to help support you long term, offering maintenance and system tests, training for staff and volunteers with monitoring and advice on time of use tariffs and how to optimise your system for maximum savings.
If your school, Church or community building is in the South East and you want an initial feasibility study, SolarTherm can provide a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, energy usage profile and future energy goals. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and time to make your own informed decision.
Your community. Your energy. Their future.
