Millfield School Boosts Sustainability with Solar Power Transformation at Pool Complex

A new solar energy system at Millfield School’s swimming pool complex has been introduced to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency across the campus.

The system is now operating at full capacity since its installation in February, and has produced enough energy in six weeks to power the average UK household for three and a half years.

The installation consists of 288 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, delivering a total system capacity of 178 kilowatt peak (kWp). After a short period of optimisation, the system is now performing to its full potential and already demonstrating significant environmental and financial benefits.

On 19 March 2026, the system recorded its highest daily output since launch, generating 898 kWh of electricity in a single day, the equivalent to fully charging 17 electric vehicles (on average). During peak hours, from approximately 9:00am to 4:00pm, the solar installation produces enough energy to fully power the swimming pool building, which includes an eight lane 50m swimming pool, a small pool, a large balcony with fitness equipment for land based training, tiered seating for approximately 600 people and changing rooms. Excess energy generated during this period is exported to the wider school network, including powering two nearby Year 9 boarding houses, Ivythorn and Keen’s Elm.

Between 21 February 2026 and 20 March, the system generated a total of 9.43 MWh of renewable energy. Based on the current electricity rate of 26.294 pence per kWh, the savings are estimated as £2,479.52.

A live web-based monitoring link has been created and will be displayed on an information screen in the swimming pool foyer, allowing students, staff, and visitors to view real-time system performance data.

With longer daylight hours and increased sunshine expected over the spring and summer months, the system is projected to generate approximately 1 MWh of energy per day, further increasing both sustainability benefits and cost savings.