Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Solar Power for Schools

Monday 26 April 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions took place on 2021-04-26 regarding solar power for schools.
  • Wera Hobhouse asked about recent discussions with the community energy sector on solar power for schools.
  • The Department for Education is reviewing options for solar installation supply chains in schools.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Education Energy
Context

The Department's proposals to centralise the procurement of solar installations and monitoring in schools have sparked discussions within the community energy sector.

Question

With reference to his Department's proposals for a centralised procurement framework, what recent discussions he has had with the community energy sector on solar power for schools. Community energy providers have successfully installed community solar on school roofs for many years, including in my constituency of Bath. This is one of the few remaining community energy models, but the Department's proposed new framework to centralise procurement threatens to take it away.

Answer from Nick Gibb

Yes, of course I would be delighted to meet the hon. Member. The DFE is currently reviewing a variety of options for the most appropriate solutions for schools to assess the relevant supply chains for solar installation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a meeting was acknowledged but did not include a concrete timeline or commitment on potential action based on the meeting.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Education Energy Environment
Context

The Department's proposals to centralise the procurement of solar installations and monitoring in schools have sparked discussions within the community energy sector.

Question

With reference to his Department's proposals for a centralised procurement framework, what recent discussions he has had with the community energy sector on solar power for schools. Community energy providers have successfully installed community solar on school roofs for many years, including in my constituency of Bath. This is one of the few remaining community energy models, but the Department's proposed new framework to centralise procurement threatens to take it away.

Answer from Nick Gibb

I will try to be brief, Mr Speaker. In January 2020, the DFE commercial team conducted market research when considering the possibility of undertaking a commercial tender for the provision of solar installations and monitoring in schools. On 14 and 15 January, a two-day supplier surgery was held where officials met a range of organisations, including community energy groups.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a meeting was not addressed and the response focused on past discussions rather than future actions or commitments.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)