Protect frontline provision through solar savings

How is solar helping Seacroft Grange Primary to protect budgets and build energy security...

Like all schools we work with, at Seacroft Grange Primary School in Leeds, solar has delivered far more than lower electricity bills.

Serving around 210 pupils in a community with high levels of disadvantage, Seacroft Grange was looking for ways to strengthen financial resilience while protecting frontline provision for children.

Rising energy bills were putting increasing pressure on budgets, making long-term cost certainty an important priority.

"We needed to reduce energy costs so we could protect frontline provision for our disadvantaged cohort," explains Headteacher Chris Florey.

And so, in June 2022, Solar for Schools installed a 90kWp solar PV system comprising 240 panels as part of Leeds City Council's Public Sector Decarbonisation Programme.

The project was carefully planned around school operations, allowing installation to take place with minimal disruption.

For Chris and his team, having an experienced school-focused delivery partner made a significant difference.

"Solar for Schools was our provider through the decarbonisation scheme, and as such, that worry was taken away from us. If seeking this alone, you'd have to make sure you were working with the right provider."

Growing climate literacy

Four years on, the benefits continue.

Alongside ongoing monitoring, maintenance and asset management support, the school receives annual educational visits that keep pupils connected to the installation and the wider sustainability agenda.

Through assemblies and hands-on workshops, children explore topics including solar generation, electrical circuits and climate literacy, with learning linked across science, geography and PSHE.

"It's great that there's still engagement this many years after installation," says Chris. "The engagement helps to be part of our curriculum around climate literacy."

Strong solar performance

The system is also delivering strong operational performance.

In May 2026 alone, the array generated 8.7 MWh of electricity, exceeding generation targets by 17%, while supplying approximately 66% of the school's electricity needs during the reporting period.

Looking back, Chris offers simple advice to schools considering solar: check roof conditions early, ensure you have visibility of system performance and think about educational opportunities from the outset.

For Seacroft Grange, solar has become much more than an estates project.

It has helped strengthen financial resilience, supported climate education and created a lasting connection between sustainability and everyday learning.