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How 900m2 of solar panels are helping this NHS hospital go carbon neutral

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The NHS is opening its first fully carbon-neutral healthcare facility, with a solar panel-packed roof at the heart of it. The new National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), set between Nottingham and Loughborough, is a major milestone in the NHS’s push for net zero by 2040. But while the building itself is state-of-the-art, it’s the solar system that’s stealing the spotlight.

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A smarter way to power a hospital

With 900m² of solar panels installed on-site, the NRC generates around 10% of its own electricity directly from the sun. That clean energy helps run everything from lighting and ventilation to patient facilities, reducing reliance on the grid and slashing long-term running costs.

It’s part of a fully electric setup that includes air source heat pumps and intelligent energy systems designed to minimise waste and maximise efficiency. No gas or diesel backup needed.

Why does it matter?

Hospitals use a huge amount of energy. Traditionally, that’s meant carbon-heavy systems and sky-high utility bills. But the NRC proves there’s another way. Solar was essentially designed into the fabric of the building, rather than adding it as an afterthought, reducing NHS emissions from day one.

On top of this, the solar panels are financially smart for the NRC, too. Generating power on-site helps protect against rising energy prices, lowers maintenance costs, and builds long-term resilience into public health infrastructure.

A model for what comes next

The NRC will treat up to 750 patients a year, offering specialist rehabilitation services, training, and research under one roof. But it’s also a live example of how solar energy can support complex, high-demand environments without compromise.

As part of the NHS’s New Hospitals Programme, the NRC sets the tone for future builds across the UK. Expect to see more facilities embracing solar as standard because it delivers practical, long-term value.

This isn’t a unique investment

What the NHS is doing with the National Rehabilitation Centre isn’t unique to public healthcare. It’s part of a bigger shift where energy costs, carbon reduction targets, and future-proofing are all pushing solar to the top of the agenda. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading an existing site, installing solar panels is now starting to make real long-term sense.

How can Grant Store help?

At Grant Store, we work with developers, contractors, and installers across the UK to make commercial solar simple. Our product range includes:

We help homes and businesses across the UK bring down their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, using the same principles you’re seeing now in the NHS build.

Why get your own solar panels?

With rising grid prices and growing demand for cleaner energy, the sooner you switch to solar, the sooner you start saving. Plus, you:

  • Reduce reliance on volatile energy markets
  • Hit your sustainability goals without affecting performance
  • Offset installation costs with long-term returns
  • Show leadership in your sector by going greener, faster

Power your future with Grant Store

Looking to follow the NHS’s lead? Whether you’re powering a new build, upgrading a commercial site, or just cutting costs, solar power is one of the most effective ways to futureproof your home or business.

Get everything you’d need from your solar setup with Grant Store. From high-quality solar panels to a complete battery storage system, we’ll help you design a setup that makes the most of the daylight. Speak to a member of the team today, either via our online contact form or at 01942 918844, to get started.

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