Update to the update: 24 September
DfE provided this update:
"Applicants can still make applications in relation to solar/PPAs via the usual route and the DfE team will consider against the published School land transactions: guidance
As with any application for the Secretary of State's consent for a land transaction we have to assess each case on its merits (in respect of the land transaction consent required) and therefore cannot give assurances as to whether a case will be approved."
So, the message is keep applying to do solar on schools as before. NB. The guidance has a 'How to apply' section with links to all the relevant forms.
CEE is engaging with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) who plan to convene a community energy roundtable soon as part of their work to find a long term solution to this problem across the whole public sector estate.
Official update: 3 September 2025
At our request the Department for Education provided the official update below. In short they support solar and other energy measures on schools and urge members to continue submitting applications as normal, whilst a long term solution is found.
“Borrowing by schools impacts on recorded levels of public sector net debt. This is why schools are required to seek the consent of the Secretary of State before entering into any borrowing. The only exception to this is for leases relating to certain types of commonly used items as listed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/leasing-for-maintained-schools and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/leasing-for-academy-trusts.
Solar panel leases are not currently included on these lists. However, this Government is committed to working with schools and colleges to reduce emissions and energy bills and to supporting the growth of renewables.
The DfE continues to look at the issues of how solar, EV and battery storage, alongside energy efficiency measures are funded on school sites. Loan schemes and finance leases remain two such options. HM Treasury has neither changed any rules nor taken any formal decisions related to this matter. However, DfE paused approvals whilst it was considered whether some projects were within existing borrowing rules.
While the current programme is now continuing as normal and DfE have provided an update to the initial projects concerned, to give greater clarity and certainty to the sector a longer-term approach to solar leases is currently being explored. Further details will be provided in due course.”