Thomas Telford UTC cuts energy bills by 66% and turns rooftop solar into powerful teaching tool

A school in Telford has cut its electricity bills by two-thirds after installing a rooftop solar system that’s not only powering the campus but also engaging students in renewable energy education.

Thomas Telford University Technical College (UTC), housed in the historic Grade II listed Springfield Brewery, has reduced its annual electricity costs by 66% through the installation of a 318.86 kWp rooftop solar array, designed and delivered by renewable energy specialists Kembla Limited using SolarEdge DC-optimised technology.

Funded by a loan through the School Capital Funding Scheme, the solar project forms part of a £12.6 million expansion initiative to enhance energy efficiency across the site. Generating approximately 277 MWh of renewable electricity each year, the system supplies the majority of the college’s energy needs on-site, with any surplus exported to the grid to generate additional revenue.

“As a school focused on environment, design and build, this installation supports both our sustainability goals and our curriculum,” said Richard Rhodes, Buildings and Fabrics Manager at Thomas Telford UTC. “It’s allowing us to reinvest into the student experience, while also giving students a real-world example of how clean energy works.”

The school, which teaches students aged 11–19, selected Kembla Limited based on its track record delivering solar installations for other schools within the Thomas Telford Multi-Academy Trust. The system comprises 733 solar panels, each paired with SolarEdge Power Optimizers, and three 90 kW inverters.

The smart optimisers allow each pair of panels to perform independently, reducing the impact of shading or debris and enabling greater flexibility in panel placement across multiple roof angles — a challenge for traditional systems.

“Unlike conventional systems that require uniform layout, SolarEdge’s technology allows for a more adaptive design, maximising energy production even on complex rooftops,” said Declan Adams, Managing Director of Kembla Limited.

Safety was a key consideration throughout the project. The SolarEdge system includes arc-fault detection, rapid shutdown capability, and SafeDC technology that automatically reduces voltage to safe levels in the event of an emergency. Two Firefighter Gateways are also linked to the school’s alarm system, designed to shut down the array instantly to allow safe roof access for emergency services.

Permanent edge protection was installed during the build, creating a secure observation area on the roof where students can view the system safely.

“Our students have been fascinated by the installation,” said Rhodes. “We’ve used it to support learning, showing live data from the system via the SolarEdge app and letting students explore how energy is generated, optimised, and used on campus.”

The college expects to benefit from the installation for many years, both financially and educationally.

Rhodes added: “Thanks to Kembla’s expertise and the advanced safety and performance features of the SolarEdge system, we’ve made an investment that supports our operations and enriches our students’ understanding of clean technology.”