Overview
As part of Hope Learning Trust’s wider renewable energy programme, Chatten Free School has invested in a solar PV system designed to support the Trust’s long-term sustainability ambitions, reduce energy costs, and contribute towards a lower-carbon future across its estate.
The project forms part of a coordinated, multi-site strategy that is helping Hope Learning Trust create a more resilient and environmentally responsible portfolio of schools. By adopting renewable energy technologies across multiple locations, the Trust is reducing its reliance on grid-supplied electricity while taking proactive steps to lower Scope 2 emissions and support national sustainability objectives within the education sector.
At Chatten Free School, the system is projected to generate approximately 124 MWh of renewable electricity each year, preventing around 24 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. While the school exports a proportion of the energy it generates, the installation still enables a significant amount of renewable electricity to be utilised on-site, reducing grid dependence and contributing to the Trust’s wider energy strategy.
The project is expected to deliver almost £1 million in lifetime energy savings, creating long-term financial benefits that can help support educational provision while strengthening the Trust’s environmental performance.
Delivered with minimal disruption to school operations, the installation demonstrates how individual schools can play an important role within a broader estate-wide sustainability programme. Together with the other renewable energy projects across Hope Learning Trust, Chatten Free School is helping to build a more sustainable, efficient and future-ready educational environment for generations to come.
Full case study video to follow below soon.
System Performance Projection
| Annual Energy Production | 124 MWh |
| Annual CO2 Emissions Saved | 24 tonnes |
| Self-Consumption | 41% |
| Payback Period | 4.5 Years |
| Internal Rate of Return | 25% |
| Lifetime bills savings | £986,559 |
System Components
DMEGC Bi-Facial Solar Panels: The installation uses premium DMEGC solar panels, known for their excellent efficiency and sleek aesthetics.
SolarEdge Power Optimisers: Each panel is equipped with a SolarEdge power optimiser, which enables individual panel monitoring and performance optimisation. This technology mitigates the effects of partial shading and ensures maximum energy harvest from each panel.
SolarEdge Synergy Inverter: The system features SolarEdge inverters, which work with power optimisers to convert DC electricity from the panels into AC power for home use. This inverter is designed for seamless integration with the SolarEdge ecosystem, including the battery storage system.
Doncaster PV Ultra Cabling: PV-Ultra cables are engineered explicitly for DC installations in photovoltaic systems. Designed with high-quality materials for an anticipated lifespan of about 25 years and can operate at average maximum conductor temperatures of 90°C, with short-term tolerance up to 120°C.
NexBlue EV Chargers: This site invested in a fully integrated NexBlue EV Charging infrastructure that works seamlessly with the SolarEdge C&I One platform.