The Greener NHS Solar and Battery Storage Scheme is worth taking seriously. It offers £25m of capital funding, backed by Great British Energy in partnership with NHS England, specifically for the installation of solar panels and battery storage systems at NHS trusts in England. The application window opened on 22 May and closes at 09:00 on Monday 22 June 2026. That is a short window for a process that requires a reasonable amount of preparation.
Bellrock has supported NHS trusts in securing over £40m of energy funding. This article sets out what the scheme covers, who qualifies, and what you need to have in place before you apply.
What is the Greener NHS Solar & Battery Storage Scheme?
The funding is for solar panel and battery storage installations. It builds on the £130m invested through the GBE and NHS solar scheme in 2025/26, which means the programme is established and the application framework is broadly understood. Projects funded through this round must be completed by 31 March 2027, so delivery timelines need to be realistic from the outset.
The core benefit is straightforward: on-site generation and storage reduces dependence on grid electricity, which lowers running costs and provides some insulation against future price volatility. For trusts with net zero commitments, it also directly reduces carbon emissions from energy use.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify you must:
- Be an eligible NHS trust based in England
- Have a suitable site for solar panel and/or battery storage installation
- Be able to provide project costs, expected generation figures, and delivery timelines
- Have obtained or be able to obtain distribution network operator (DNO) approvals
- Have confirmed planning and design status for the proposed project
Producing a feasibility study is often the first step to being able to secure this type of funding.
How to Apply
The application process is open via Microsoft Forms on the Greener NHS Knowledge Hub from Friday 22 May until 09:00 on Monday 22 June 2026.
Applications will need to include:
- Project costs
- Expected generation figures
- Delivery timelines
- Distribution network operator (DNO) approvals
- Planning and design status
Guidance for applicants and an Excel template for preparing applications are both available on the Greener NHS Knowledge Hub. Projects that demonstrate strong value for money within the required timeframe will be prioritised.
Where to start if you haven't already
If your trust has not yet begun the process, a solar feasibility study is the logical first step. It produces the generation figures, cost estimates and technical data that the application form requires, and it gives you a realistic picture of what a project would deliver before you commit to a submission.
Bellrock can deliver feasibility studies for NHS trusts and has worked across the NHS on energy procurement, compliance and net zero strategy. If you want to understand whether your trust is in a position to apply before 22 June, our energy team can give you a clear assessment.
