As part of its strategic estate and asset management planning, the Excel Learning Trust worked closely with Garland UK’s Technical Manager, Rob Wall, to refurbish the roof and reduce electricity bills at Carr Junior School, safeguarding the site from future energy cost hikes.
Across the UK public sector estate, many buildings face a similar challenge, ageing roof structures that are unable to support renewable technologies without prior refurbishment. For estate managers looking to accelerate decarbonisation while managing operational budgets, combining roof renewal with solar installation can provide a practical route to improving both building performance and long-term energy resilience.
A detailed roof condition survey revealed various issues with the existing build-up at Carr Junior School, including signs of cut-edge corrosion that had severely diminished the composite steel roof panels. In some cases, the protective coating was non-existent in large sections, exposing bare steel to the elements.
In its current condition, Garland UK advised that the existing roof was unsuitable for supporting a solar PV system without substantial refurbishment. Installing solar panels on a deteriorating roof would lead to high costs and operational downtime for future repairs, as the panels would need to be removed and reinstalled.
One Project, One Partner
An initial Solar Investment Analysis revealed that by installing 70 PV modules using Garland’s Solarise PV system, Carr Junior School would realise a 28.7 kWp system, generating 26,287 kWh a year and providing £5,840 in first-year energy savings.
For the Trust, the project represented an opportunity not only to restore the roof but also to generate renewable energy on-site, reducing operational energy costs and contributing towards wider carbon reduction targets.
Garland UK designed a solution that would restore the roof’s integrity and make it solar-ready in a single programme of works. The refurbishment used the R-MER CLAD system, a lightweight and durable metal overlay that avoided the need for full roof removal, reducing waste and disruption to the school day.
Delivering both upgrades together meant the Trust avoided the disruption and cost associated with undertaking two separate projects while ensuring the roof structure would support the solar installation throughout its lifecycle.
Long-term Sustainability Goals
Rob Wall was the client’s single point of contact throughout the project, providing weekly site visits throughout the roof refurbishment and solar installation and supplying detailed progress reports to all parties via Garland UK’s cloud-based RAMP (Roof Asset Management Programme) system.
For estates teams responsible for multiple buildings, access to centralised documentation and maintenance records can play an important role in long-term asset management. The RAMP system provides a secure digital record of inspections, project updates and maintenance schedules for the building.
Specifying the R-MER CLAD system also delivered significant environmental benefits. By encapsulating the existing roof rather than removing it, the project prevented 4.7 tonnes of waste from being sent to landfill. The system is 100% recyclable, meaning that when the roof reaches the end of its natural life, the school can recycle the panels and avoid further unnecessary waste.
The roof refurbishment also significantly improved Carr Junior School’s thermal performance, achieving a 0.18 U-value. Combined with the Solarise PV system, the school is expected to reduce its carbon footprint by up to 12 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Supporting Sustainable Estates
On completion, Garland UK supplied the Trust with a 20 year Single-Point Guarantee for the R-MER CLAD system and a 15 year product and 20 year performance guarantee for the Solarise system.
By covering design, materials and installation under one provider, the guarantee simplifies long-term risk management for estate owners and facilities teams responsible for maintaining building performance over decades.
The Trust will see a return on investment for the solar installation in just over four years.
Oliver Johnson, Director of Estates, adds, “The team at Garland UK did a fantastic job. The school is already seeing the benefits of the improved roof and solar panels, and we’re confident this project will achieve the Trust’s long-term sustainability and cost savings goals.”
This article appeared in the April 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.
