Coventry College cuts energy costs and carbon emissions with major solar project

Two of Coventry’s largest education sites are now powering most of their electricity needs through solar panels – saving money that can be spent on education while at the same time reducing carbon emissions and supporting local jobs.

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, and Coventry City Councillor Lynette Kelly unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the project – funded by central government and delivered by the Strategic Energy Partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council – during a visit to Coventry College and neighbouring Sidney Stringer Academy buildings in the Hillfields area of the city.

The programme represents a total investment of £825k, including £700,000 of Mayoral Renewables Fund grant funding and £125k in match funding from Coventry College and Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust.

Across the four educational buildings involved in the project, 1,643 solar panels have now been installed, delivering a combined capacity of 755kWp. This exceeded the programme’s original target of approximately 650 kWp by around 16%.

At Coventry College alone, 1,000 solar panels have been installed across the North and South Buildings, providing a combined capacity of 460 kWp with an expected annual generation of more than 414,000 kWh of renewable electricity – the equivalent of the electricity needs of more than 150 average UK homes in a year¹.

The benefits are already being seen. Between March and August 2026, the four sites generated a combined 572 MWh of renewable electricity, with approximately 475 MWh consumed on site. This represents more than 80 per cent of the electricity generated and has delivered direct electricity savings of more than £95,000 in just six months.

The project has also supported small businesses in the city, with Coventry’s Strategic Energy Partnership working with local suppliers and several Coventry-based workers on the installation.

The original funding announcement highlighted how lower energy bills could allow more money to be directed towards frontline education, while providing greater protection against energy-price pressures.

The plaque unveiled by the Mayor recognises the partnership behind the project and its contribution to creating more resilient educational facilities in Hillfields.

As well as reducing operating costs and reliance on grid electricity, the installations are creating opportunities for Coventry College students to see renewable technologies working in a real educational environment.

The project has already supported an industry masterclass for the College’s Level 2 electrical students, providing an interactive session and real-world experience of renewable energy technology.

The College has also previously secured funding to deliver solar photovoltaic skills bootcamps, supporting local people and businesses to develop the skills needed to meet growing demand for solar installation and other areas of the green economy.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands (second from left), said: “The results we’re seeing from the solar panels at Coventry College and Sidney Stringer School show the real-world benefits of switching to renewable energy. Thousands of pounds have been freed up for teaching and support for these young people, which will help give them a better start in life and contribute to making Hillfields a better place to live.

“But we’re not stopping in Coventry. We’re rolling out a major programme to modernise thousands more public buildings, from schools and libraries to leisure centres, as well as homes and businesses across our region.

“This is how we can help soften the impact of this year’s energy price hikes and support families with the rising cost of living.”

Carol Thomas, Principal and CEO at Coventry College, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mayor Richard Parker to Coventry College to celebrate the completion of this important project.

“The solar installation is already making a tangible difference, helping us reduce our energy costs and allowing us to focus more of our resources on what matters most: providing high-quality education, training and opportunities for our students.

“It also means our students can see renewable energy technology in action on their own campus, complementing the skills and knowledge we are developing to support employers and the workforce of the future.”

When the project was first announced, Richard Parker said the investment would help cut energy bills so money could be redirected into teaching and supporting young people, while making the Hillfields area of the city cleaner and greener.

Vijay Tank, Chief Commercial Officer for E.ON Energy Infrastructure Services, said: “Making new energy work for everyone means cutting bills and delivering benefits that people can see. Working with our partners at Coventry City Council we’ve delivered this rooftop solar project at pace, cutting bills for the schools that frees up money for education while at the same time creating opportunities for local businesses that keeps much of the original investment within the community. It’s a clear example of how affordable, sustainable energy can improve everyone’s lives.”

Councillor Lynnette Kelly, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “By powering these educational buildings with clean, renewable energy, we’re not only cutting carbon emissions we are also saving vital resources that can be reinvested elsewhere. Projects like this demonstrate how innovation and partnership can drive the green economy and create a healthier, more sustainable city for all.

“Our partnership with E.ON has enabled us to move quickly. But we are far from done. Solar on roofs is a big priority for us – there are already more than people think, on the Council house roof, at Coombe and the library for example. Now we are looking at where next – and schools are likely to be at the heart of that.”

The wider programme was completed across all sites in February 2026 and is expected to generate approximately 690 MWh of renewable electricity each year. Alongside reducing energy costs, it will reduce reliance on grid electricity and provide greater resilience against future electricity price volatility.

The investment also forms part of wider plans for the Hillfields area, with opportunities for further low-carbon infrastructure and future decarbonisation projects.

The Strategic Energy Partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council is accelerating the city’s transition to a more affordable, secure and low-carbon future. It is delivering practical measures to improve energy efficiency across Coventry’s homes, buildings and transport systems, helping to create a cleaner, more resilient city while supporting economic growth and improving quality of life.