Following the solar PV fire at Shanklea Primary School in July 2025, the Council has been carrying out a thorough review of all its solar PV installations, where safety remains the top priority.
As a precaution, all Council owned commercial solar PV systems, including those on schools, remain switched off while independent safety inspections and any necessary remedial works are planned and carried out. These works are necessary even where systems have previously been inspected and certified.
Funding has now been secured for this programme to support building safety improvements, including solar PV inspection, maintenance and fire safety works. Responsibility for managing and maintaining all solar PV systems transferred to the Council’s Integrated Services team with effect from the 1st May 2026. We now have a dedicated specialist team and ongoing support from an independent solar expert.
Inspections will begin next month, and installations will be prioritised based on safety, energy generation and financial return. The highest performing systems will be reviewed first, and school installations are being assessed separately. Due to the scale of the estate and limited contractor capacity, it will not be possible to complete inspections and reinstate all school systems within this financial year.
A key challenge is the cost of safe roof access for inspections, which in some cases exceeds the annual income or savings generated by the panels. This will be considered carefully as part of the assessment process.
Whilst we appreciate free electricity from solar PV systems has previously helped to offset energy costs, safety must come first.
Some schools may be without solar PV generation for longer than others. The Council will continue to review options and provide regular updates as work progresses.
We will ensure we have those conversations with you directly as we move through the programme.
