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Investing in Solar for the Public Sector | A Strategy for Long-Term Success

Home » Case Studies » Investing in Solar for the Public Sector | A Strategy for Long-Term Success

  • 09 | 06 | 26
  • Local Authorities

Across the UK, local authorities are under mounting pressure to cut costs, reduce carbon emissions and build resilience into their estates – all at the same time. Rising electricity prices, ageing infrastructure and ambitious net-zero targets mean “business as usual” energy management is no longer enough. Many councils have already delivered the obvious efficiency measures – LED lighting, upgraded controls, better building management – and are now asking what comes next.

We bring together a panel of industry leaders and sustainability experts who share their perspective on how on-site solar generation, increasingly combined with battery storage, can help local authorities and other public bodies move beyond quick wins into deeper, long-term savings and decarbonisation.

Drawing on real-world case studies with participation from Mark Dale, Corporate Energy Manager at Suffolk County Council, it examines the practical, financial and organisational factors that determine whether on-site solar projects succeed.

Why local authorities and other public bodies consider on-site solar

Strong and predictable financial returns

Typical payback periods are around 6–7 years, after which savings accrue for decades and are effectively “profit” on the original investment. Councils can effectively fix a portion of their energy costs for up to 30 years, protecting budgets from grid price volatility. On-site generation reduces electricity bills, avoids or defers costly grid upgrades, and can generate additional income through Smart Export Guarantee schemes. Savings can then be redirected towards frontline services.

Improved energy security and resilience

Solar generates power on the same sites that consume it, improving security of supply. Battery storage adds flexibility, enabling load shifting, future participation in grid services and potential resilience during outages. Solar is a mature, low-maintenance technology and is well suited to the majority of public sector buildings, where roof space often aligns with energy demand. Excess generation can be exported to the grid, earning income via Smart Export Guarantee tariffs.

Reduced reliance on grid electricity

Environmentally and strategically, solar reduces reliance on grid electricity and cuts carbon emissions, directly supporting net zero and Paris-aligned pledges. It enables councils to invest in long-term, self-owned energy assets that align climate ambition with practical delivery. On-site energy generation reduces dependency on external suppliers.

Clear, responsible use of public funds

Reputationally, visible solar installations act as exemplar projects, demonstrating leadership, innovation and responsible use of public funds, while helping to secure senior buy-in and internal support.

 

The panel

Dom Cresswell, Decarbonisation Project Management Lead, LASER

Leads project managers delivering decarbonisation schemes from concept to completion. Provides contractual, technical and operational oversight to ensure projects are safe, compliant and outcomefocused. Ensures best practice standards, consistent pricing and supplier accountability. Chartered Project Professional with a background in technical construction and electrical engineering.

Steve Marks, Head of Carbon Advisory, LASER

Leads early-stage decarbonisation advisory, identifying measures such as rooftop and largescale solar. Provides feasibility assessments, energy audits, site surveys and net zero roadmaps. Develops and interprets carbon forecasts, commercial profiles and long-term investment cases for renewable technologies.

Andrew Tanner, Solar Service Delivery Lead, LASER

Oversees end-to-end solar delivery, from initial client consultation and desktop design through feasibility, procurement, installation and commissioning. Ensures technical accuracy, financial optimisation and quality assurance at every stage. Supports tender evaluation, contractor management and final handover to guarantee high standards and client satisfaction.

Guest speaker Mark Dale

Carbon Reduction Manager, Suffolk County Council

Over 10 years’ experience managing the energy contract and council’s corporate energy estate, including HQ and locality buildings. Responsible for reducing energy use and revenue spend through the development and delivery of energy efficiency and renewable generation projects. Oversees financial investment, energy strategy, modelling, and ROI analysis. Hands-on experience delivering rooftop solar rollouts. efficiency programmes and battery storage projects, whilst also working closely with the council’s building management systems.

WHITEPAPER Investing in Solar for the Public Sector: A Strategy for Long-Term Success

Learn more about what solar can deliver, how to build robust business cases, and the lessons learned from councils already putting these projects into practice.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL WHITEPAPER

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