Engynious Schools

Generating solar energy and lowering energy bills for schools

Engynious Schools was set up by solar developer Engynious AG to provide schools in the UK with access to local renewable electricity and lower energy bills. The schools are able to lower their bills without paying for the purchase, installation or maintenance of the solar panels. Not only does this leave more money for teaching and activities, it also provides pupils with a practical demonstration of the economic, environmental, and social benefits of renewable energy.

Engynious Schools owned and managed 21 solar PV installations on 19 school sites in the UK. Each installation is between 20 to 50 kWp in size, with the full portfolio totalling 773 kWp, and the systems were installed in 2013 and early 2014. Each school granted use of its rooftop to Engynious Schools and the company owned the solar PV system and collected the Feed-in Tariff, received for the renewable electricity generated. In exchange for this, the school gets to use the electricity the system generates for a pre-determined price linked to inflation, which can significantly reduce their energy bill, and Engynious Schools handled the ongoing operations and maintenance of the solar panels. This arrangement lasts for 25 years (which more than covers the time that the Feed-in Tariffs are payable and the term of this investment). At the end of the period, ownership of the panels passes to the school and it can continue to benefit from the electricity produced.

The portfolio of solar systems was sold to a new owner in 2022 with the new owner taking the option allowed under the Deed to make an early repayment of this investment. The investment was repaid in full on 10 November 2022.