Hospitals

Solar Panels For Hospitals

Hospitals typically are large facilities that have unused roof space available for solar panel installation. You can use this unused roof space to generate low-cost (eventually free) clean electricity to power your hospital. Hospitals use a large amount of electricity each year, so installing solar PV systems is a great way to cut energy bill costs and increase the green credentials of your hospital. Solar panels provide you with energy independence and allow for large savings on electricity costs.

SolarSense works with a variety of different hospitals and NHS trusts to design, install and manage/maintain their solar panel systems. As well as solar carports, which can enhance the parking space in your hospital. We offer comprehensive solar panel systems as well as systems with solar battery storage, should you require this. We offer a range of finance options, including 100% asset finance and a competitive power purchase agreement (PPA).

Solar panel installation is a huge opportunity for your hospital if you are not currently using your roof space. NHS England reported, “Take Hull University Teaching Hospital as an example. Their 11,000 solar panels saved the trust an astonishing £230,000 per month last summer [2024], generating over 4.2 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough to power 1,400 UK homes for a year.”

Generate secure and low-cost solar electricity for your hospital

Hospitals use massive amounts of electricity each year. With many different departments all requiring electricity to operate equipment, as well as general electrical requirements, securing cheaper electricity can substantially reduce energy bill costs. Installing a solar PV system for your hospital decreases dependency on large energy suppliers by generating your own source of clean electricity. Significant increases can cause a large and unexpected hike in your monthly costs, especially as hospitals typically use huge amounts of electricity to operate effectively. Installing solar PV systems provides secure and low-cost electricity for your hospital and secures you against price uncertainty.

Increasing your hospital’s green credentials

Solar electricity is the cleanest source of electricity on the planet, so investing in solar panels decreases your environmental impact. The time to make a return on investment will depend on the size of the solar panel system that you are able to install and the orientation of your roof. Environmental impact and responsibility are becoming more and more important for all sectors of healthcare, and you can increase the credibility of your hospital with your patients as well as your staff when you invest in renewable energy and technology.

Is my hospital suitable for solar panel installation?

Solar panels are best installed on south-facing roofs as these will see the maximum amount of sunlight/UV exposure each day. East and west-facing roofs are also appropriate for solar panel installation, but shaded or north-facing roofspace will not be appropriate. This is because this orientation and the solar panel system will not generate enough electricity to warrant installation. If your roof is showing signs of age or damage, then you may have to upgrade the roof or carry out repairs/reinforcement before installation can take place. We can install your solar PV system alongside these repairs or upgrades.

Solar battery storage for hospitals

Solar battery storage can be installed with solar PV systems, and this provides the ability to store electricity that is generated for later use. This is particularly useful in the winter, when sunlight hours are limited. You can also utilise cheaper electricity from the grid at off-peak times to charge a battery in the winter months or if your solar PV system doesn’t produce 100% of your electrical needs. Auxiliary power systems are important for hospitals, and you will likely have auxiliary systems installed for emergencies. Solar battery storage can be upgraded or fitted with an emergency power supply system that provides auxiliary power from the battery’s electricity (but not all systems are installed with this as standard).

Solar carports for Hospitals

Solar carports allow you to upgrade the parking space in your hospital with shelter for vehicles that are powered and contain solar panels. A solar carport is a dual-purpose stand-alone structure which provides shelter as well as generates solar electricity. This free electricity can then either be used on-site and (or) used to charge electric vehicles that are parked in your carpark.

You can use solar carports to improve the overall look of your car park, and you have the option to add branding should you wish. You can use these to improve the overall experience of your patients as well as for your staff. Our solar carport solutions are quick and easy to install, saving on time and cost. You are also able to make a statement on sustainability and increase the green credentials of your hospital further.

Financing solar panel installation for your hospital and facilities

There are several ways to finance solar PV systems for your hospital and facilities.

Self-financing (CapEx) is the most popular option for purchasing solar panels for businesses and organisations. This provides the best financial returns over the lifetime of the system and reduces the payback period considerably.

Renewable energy asset finance is often used to secure funding for tangible assets. It’s a good choice for those who want to have significant cash flow and tax advantages. SolarSense works with a network of long-standing finance partners to provide asset finance solutions.

Solar as a service provides clean energy, no upfront costs and immediate savings on energy bills. No capital expenditure is required, and you will receive immediate savings. We provide a fully managed system with an end-to-end service including monitoring and servicing. Lock in stable pricing, protect against energy market volatility, and simplify long-term budget planning.

Power purchase agreements (PPAs) have become one of the most popular ways to finance solar panels. If your energy usage and roof space meet specific criteria, this solution allows you to benefit from a free solar PV installation, financed by a PPA provider. You find a system that best suits your hospital, and then the solar panels are installed at no cost to you. You then purchase the power generated at an agreed lower rate. The PPA provider owns, maintains and upgrades the system during its lifetime and the lifetime of the agreement.

The government does offer some grants for solar panel adoption for hospitals and schools. £100m was pledged in March 2025 for the installation of solar panels on 200 hospitals through participating and selected NHS trusts. With the success of this, it would be reasonable to expect further funding in the future.