Like many schools and academy trusts, Carlton Academy Trust wanted to reduce its carbon footprint while finding practical ways to lower energy costs and protect stretched budgets. By choosing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the Trust was able to make that transition without any upfront capital investment, allowing it to generate clean, lower-cost electricity while continuing to focus resources where they matter most: education.
The project was carefully planned around the school’s day-to-day operations, ensuring lessons and activities could continue with minimal disruption throughout the installation.
Now, after a full year of operation, the Trust is seeing the positive impact of the system first-hand. Even more excitingly, battery storage is now being added to the installation, allowing more of the renewable electricity generated on site to be stored and used, further reducing reliance on grid electricity and maximising the value of every kilowatt-hour produced.
We caught up with Carlton Academy Trust to hear about their experience.
What were the main reasons Carlton Academy Trust decided to get solar installed?
To reduce our carbon footprint, to allow the benefits of generated energy to reduce utility bills in order to allow finances to stretch a little further and assist in the delivery of outstanding education across the Trust.
Were you happy with how the installation process was managed around school operations?
Excellent planning and delivery, which resulted in minimal, if any, disruption to school activities.
The solar installations have helped reduce energy costs across the Trust. How have those savings been reinvested to benefit students, staff or school facilities?
Any savings identified by Solar Generation are reinvested to support schools delivering Outstanding teaching and learning, especially in these austere times, where budgets are so tight.
What were the key factors of choosing Shawton Energy as your solar / PPA Partner?
Following discussion and negotiations with a number of companies, Shawton provided the best and most cost-effective solution for the Trust.
What advice would you give to other schools or academy trusts considering solar energy?
Complete your research, confirm ability to proceed (especially in PFI Sites) and discuss with the experts, ensuring the best financial and performance targets are achieved.
Are there any future sustainability initiatives or environmental projects planned across the Trust?
The installation of Solar Storage Batteries, to allow as much excess energy to be stored, to further reduce energy costs and consumption.
If you could summarise the impact of the solar project in one sentence, what would it be?
Energy Efficiency, sustainability, and Reduction in costs.
Looking back one year after commissioning, would Carlton Academy Trust make the same decision again, and why?
I think the Solar Route is definitely a worthwhile advancement, especially the PPA model we selected and no CAPEX for the Trust. With hindsight, I might have looked at battery storage earlier (but agree that performance needs to be monitored over a prolonged period). Being able to harness and use as much energy as possible, as at times we are generating more energy than the building is using, especially in holiday periods.
Ready to future-proof your school’s energy costs?
Discover how a fully funded solar PPA can help your school or academy trust reduce electricity bills, improve sustainability and invest more into education without any upfront capital investment. Speak to Shawton Energy today to find out what’s possible for your site.
