Last year, Good Energy installed three solar arrays for Canford School, a leading independent boarding school based in the beautiful Dorset countryside. With rising energy bills and a duty to act for the next generation, the school turned to solar as a trusted, reliable solution. One year on, the panels are delivering exactly as predicted. Hear from Toby White, the school’s Maintenance Manager, about how he found working with Good Energy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph6coLHPwkE&t=1s
The challenge: A leading independent school on a mission to decarbonise
Canford School is a leading independent boarding school set in 260 acres of beautiful parkland, including a nationally recognised arboretum. With buildings dating back as far as the 1400s, and as modern as 2025 – the school integrates its history with cutting edge sustainable technology.
It was the 2021 energy crisis that prompted the school to really start considering how to reduce its reliance on expensive, unstable and polluting fossil fuels: with reliable, proven solutions like solar panels being high on their agenda. Expectations from pupils, parents and governors also played into the growing desire to cut carbon and costs, fast.
The school needed a partner with experience installing solar in live school environments, where safety, scheduling, and communication are key. Good Energy was chosen after a competitive tender for our transparent pricing, clear proposal, and understanding of the site’s unique challenges, including Grade I and II listed buildings. Our strong track record installing solar for schools was also a deciding factor.
The Solution: A proven technology delivering exactly as predicted
In 2024, Good Energy installed three SolarEdge-optimised rooftop solar PV systems at Canford School across the following buildings:
🟡 Boarding House – 37.41 kWp
🟡 Education Centre – 43.5 kWp
🟡 Sports Centre – 241.86 kWp
The systems use Jinko solar panels with SolarEdge optimisers and inverters, offering a cost-effective combination of high efficiency, longevity and powerful performance data. Design and layout were tailored to each building, with careful consideration given to heritage constraints and roofspace availability.
Good Energy carefully scheduled the work to minimise any impact on the school’s operations and the pupil experience. The installations on the Boarding House and Education Centre were both completed during the school summer holidays, with the larger installation at the Sports Centre taking place through the start of the Autumn term. The team ran to a tight schedule; and stayed in constant communication with the school to minimise noise and ensure safety throughout.
One year on, the solar arrays are delivering exactly as projected in Canford School’s proposal – supporting the school’s sustainability goals, while maintaining its tradition.