Options for Solar on Schools from 2016 (Oct 19, 2015)
Missed the deadline to apply to install solar this year before government slashes subsidies for solar as announced?….
All is not lost – At Solar for Schools we are working on options for 2016 if indeed the government slashes subsidies as proposed.
From the 1st January 2016, Solar for Schools intend to offer the following options to put solar on your school:
- Solar Electricity Contracts. We plan to continue to offer our minimum risk, minimum effort to schools package as we do currently, based on a roof license and power purchase agreement. The initial savings will be very small or even zero, but the school will still be able to contribute to preventing global warming and be a guiding example to students at no cost to the school. If, as expected electricity prices in general continue to rise faster than inflation, then the school will make some savings over time.
- The school purchase the solar pv system. We will manage the design, select the most appropriate installation company and manage the system long term, so the school doesn’t have to. The school keeps all the income and savings and pays us an annual fee for support, reporting, insurance and maintenance. Depending on the school, reasonable returns on their investment are possible.
- The school leases the solar pv system. We will manage the design, installation company and long term operations as above. The school keeps all the income and savings and pays us an annual fee for support, reporting and maintenance as well as monthly lease costs. In the short term this may cost the school a little more, but after the lease payments have been made the school should be able to make savings if electricty prices rise as expected.
- Crowdfunding. We are working with a partner to develop a funding platform that enables schools to raise money from parents etc. to fund the solar panels. This crowdfunding can be used in conjunction with options 1 and 2 above, depending on if donation, loan or equity based.
As all the above could be rather confusing, we are working on an online calculator that will provide a side by side comparison of the above options for every school in the UK. Of course you can also always call Helen or Ann who will be happy to explain the options and help you work out what is right for you.
Contact us and let us know how we can help you on your journey to having solar power on your school.