“There is always excitement when something new happens at school, but this was particularly true when Solar Panel Funding completed the installation in record time,” – Andrew Stewart, Head Teacher at Glebe House School
Glebe House School , a well-known Hunstanton school installed free solar panels to reduce energy bills and teach children about renewable energy.
The school worked with Solar Panel Funding to get the system fitted at no cost.
The solar panels are already working exceptionally well and will reduce electricity bills every month. These savings go straight back into school resources and facilities that benefit students.
Why Solar Panels Matter for this Hunstanton School
The new solar system helps Glebe House reduce its reliance on expensive energy, while creating measurable savings that benefit pupils today and in the future.
Our team spoke to the head teacher, Andrew Stewart, and he explained why the installation is important.
“Not only does this project support our sustainability goals, but it directly powers classrooms and facilities that serve the wider community, including the Men’s Shed, the Nursery, and our swimming pool.”
By supplying renewable energy to both school and community spaces, the school is protecting its budget and reducing its reliance on expensive energy, while creating wider benefits for Hunstanton residents.
Beyond energy savings, the installation has become an educational tool.
Students are engaging with real-time energy data in their science and geography lessons. They’re gaining hands-on experience of renewable energy in action, which has led to conversations about energy conservation, production and sustainability.
“Science classes will be exploring the impact on consumption using the fantastic app and we will be using this experience in Geography to collect data in preparation for our push for Green Flag status.”
This project also supports the school’s wider mission to earn Green Flag status and prepare pupils to be environmentally responsible citizens.
“Glebe House School and Nursery are working towards a future where we make a positive impact on the environment. Not just in how we run the school, but in how we prepare our children for the future.”
How the Project Started
Solar Panel Funding operates a unique, self-funded grant scheme that provides fully funded solar panels to homeowners and institutions across the UK. Unlike many schemes, it does not rely on government subsidies.
This independence allows faster decision-making and more flexible project criteria.
Although the school didn’t match our usual funding criteria, we adapted our model specifically for this project, as we recognised it could have a significant and positive impact on many children in the community.
Glebe House also shares similar values with Solar Panel Funding around sustainability and community impact, which was another factor we considered.
What makes working with Solar Panel Funding different ?
According to Mr Stewart, many companies approach the school “professing a commitment to education and community but struggle to deliver on promises or end up costing much more than anticipated.”
However, Solar Panel Funding took a different approach that the school appreciated.
“It has been fantastic to work with Solar Panel Funding and discover a company that means what it says in terms of value to the school, the community, and the future of the children of North Norfolk.”
Lessons from the Glebe House School Project
This installation shows how schools make excellent partners for solar projects. They benefit from reduced operating costs, students gain valuable learning opportunities, and the wider community gains from renewable energy.
When we see opportunities to support many children and their local area, we find ways to make projects work even if they don’t meet standard criteria.
Solar Panel Funding is passionate about fighting fuel poverty in the UK. One of the ways we achieve this mission is by providing eligible homeowners with free solar panels to power their homes. Our approach involves connecting reliable installers with pre-screened solar appointments, and part of our revenue goes towards our SPF Grant. Any income or savings generated by the solar panel system goes directly to the homeowner.
We also offer financing options through our installer network for those interested in green solutions but facing upfront cost barriers. The SPF Grant is the only Solar Panel Grant scheme of its kind in the UK. It is not affiliated with any other supplier or vendor.
As an entity authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, Solar Panel Funding Ltd is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Instead, we connect applicants with solar panel installers who match loan requests with lenders on their panel.