Primary School Solar Installation in Scotland

Our solar installers recently completed an 86.33 kWp solar PV installation at a primary school in West Scotland.

The project, which involved the installation of 194 DMEG 445W solar panels across four roofs, was completed within a week during the school’s half-term break, ensuring no disruption to students or staff. This installation adds to the impressive number of projects our solar installers have undertaken in the education sector, with over 20 schools fitted with solar panels across the UK this year alone.

Primary School Solar Installation

Project Challenges and Solutions

Every solar PV installation comes with its own set of challenges, and this project was no different. One of the primary concerns was completing the installation within a short time frame without compromising safety.

The school allocated one week during the half-term break for the installation. With students and staff absent, this presented the perfect window to execute the project without disrupting daily school activities. However, the timeline required detailed planning, coordination, and execution to ensure everything was installed, tested, and operational before the start of the new school term.

To meet the deadline, we scheduled the delivery of materials well in advance and worked closely with suppliers to ensure all components were readily available on site. Our on site solar installers employed a phased installation approach, with teams working simultaneously on multiple roofs to complete the installation efficiently.

As with so many of our solar installation projects, the materials used by our solar installers were sourced locally from Greentech Glasgow. Their efficiency and professionalism is always greatly appreciated and matches our ethos of own quality and service when it comes to solar installations.  Being able to work directly with regional suppliers minimises the carbon footprint of our projects further which is an added benefit.

Technical Specifications

  • Solar Panels: 194 DMEG 445W panels
  • Mounting System: Van der Valk, installed across four roofs
  • Inverter: Solis inverter
  • Materials Supplier: Greentech Glasgow

Safety Considerations

Conducting the installation during the half-term break wasn’t just about minimising disruption—it was also the safest option. Installing solar panels involves moving heavy equipment, using scaffolding and accessing high roofs. All of which present risks, particularly in a busy school environment. With no children or staff present, our solar installers could focus solely on safety protocols without the added concern of working in a live school environment.

Safety is always of the upmost importance for us and we ensured we adhered to rigorous safety standards throughout the installation. Working on four separate roofs required careful coordination between teams, including the safe movement of materials and equipment across the school grounds. Regular safety checks were conducted and all work was completed within the timeframe, ensuring that the site was fully secured and cleared before the students and staff returned.

Given the project took place in the West Coast of Scotland, our solar installers were prepared for unpredictable weather. By preparing for adverse conditions, the team was able to maintain momentum and complete the project on time despite the variable Scottish climate.

Benefits of Solar for Educational Institutions

The installation of solar panels offers numerous benefits for the education sector, both in terms of environmental impact and financial savings. For this particular Primary School, these panels will help reduce operational costs, allowing for savings to be reallocated to enhance educational resources and facilities for the students for years to come. The solar PV system supports the school’s sustainability goals, helping it to reduce its carbon footprint in a meaningful and measurable way.

With energy prices continuing to rise, schools and so many other business sectors are under increasing pressure to reduce their operating costs. Solar PV installations offer a long-term solution by generating a significant portion of the school’s electricity on-site. By reducing reliance on the grid, the school will see substantial reductions in its energy bills—savings that can be reinvested into essential resources for students and staff. For educational institutions operating on tight budgets, this financial relief is invaluable.

Environmental Impact and Education Opportunities

Installing solar panels aligns with growing environmental awareness in the education sector. Schools have an opportunity to lead by example in the fight against climate change, reducing their carbon emissions while educating students on the importance of renewable energy and sustainable practices. Solar panels not only provide energy savings but also serve as an educational tool, fostering awareness among students about renewable energy, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

There is a common misconception that solar energy is not as effective in Scotland due to its climate. While it’s true that Scotland experiences less direct sunlight than sunnier regions, solar panels are designed to generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunlight. Modern solar panels are highly efficient and can still produce significant energy even on cloudy days.

In fact, Scotland’s long daylight hours during the summer months offset shorter winter days, allowing solar PV systems to operate efficiently year-round. Moreover, cooler temperatures actually improve the efficiency of solar panels, making them an effective renewable energy solution even in Scotland’s climate.

By investing in solar energy, schools not only benefit from the immediate energy savings but also align with broader national efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Another successful solar installation

The successful installation of the 86.33 kWp solar PV system will result in substantial energy savings for the Primary School. They will generate clean energy for years to come, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and energy costs. This project demonstrates how even in locations where sunshine is less abundant, solar energy remains a viable and highly beneficial option for educational institutions.

At Low Energy Services, we have worked on a large number of solar installation projects for schools, colleges and other education sector buildings across Scotland and England. This recent solar installation has once again demonstrated our ability to deliver high-quality solar installations tailored to the specific needs of the education sector.  As solar energy continues to become an essential component of energy strategy for schools, we are proud to lead the charge of helping educational institutions embrace the benefits of renewable energy, even in less sunny regions like Scotland.

For more information about our solar installation services or to discuss how your school could benefit from renewable energy solutions, please get in touch with our team today.

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