The Power Shift: why care homes are turning to solar to cut rising energy costs

The UK is in the top 4 for the highest rates of electricity of 154 countries and the care sector continues to face unrelenting financial pressure as a result, in addition to staffing, compliance and facility costs being volatile and unpredictable.

Electricity bills for non-domestic sites such as care homes have risen sharply over the past few years. According to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, average industrial electricity prices increased by 113 % in real terms between 2019 and 2024 (UK Energy in Brief 2024). Ofgem’s own analysis confirms that UK business-sector electricity prices are among the highest in Europe, sitting 118 % above the European median (Ofgem State of the Market Report 2024).

For care-home operators, this is not just another line-item increase. It directly affects resident care, staffing, and the maintenance of safe, comfortable facilities. Energy volatility makes forward planning harder and margins thinner. That is why an increasing number of providers are taking a strategic look at solar power and why Care England and Focus Energy Services have developed a new Solar Framework to assist care providers.

A smarter way to power care homes

Solar technology has matured rapidly. Panels are now more efficient, installation costs have fallen and new funding models make on-site generation achievable for organisations of every
size.

For care homes, the fit is particularly strong. They operate seven days a week, with consistent daytime energy use, meaning they can consume the power they generate rather than exporting it. In practice, that translates to genuine savings, lower exposure to future price rises and a smaller carbon footprint that aligns with the sector’s move towards more
sustainable operations.

What many care home managers do not realise, however, is that the solar market is largely unregulated. Sales approaches vary, claims about savings are often exaggerated and many installers lack experience in regulated care environments.

Beyond cost-saving: building long-term resilience

The benefits of solar extend far beyond the monthly energy bill.

Budget predictability: Generating your own electricity gives you control over a major cost factor and shield you from future tariff shocks.
Sustainability credentials: Demonstrating carbon reduction strengthens standing with regulators, local authorities and prospective families choosing where to place a loved one.
Operational resilience: Solar energy contributes to more stable operations, especially when paired with battery storage, helping homes maintain continuity even during grid instability.
Reputation: As awareness of green practices evolve, residents and families increasingly value providers who operate responsibly and are forward-thinking.

Solar energy is no longer a “nice to have” sustainability project, it is a sound business decision that enhances both operational and reputational strength.

That is where the Care England/Focus Energy Service Solar Framework is designed to assist care providers.

Independent expertise, designed for care our Solar Framework brings structure, transparency and confidence to a market that can otherwise feel complex. It has been created for care homes, not generic commercial sites, and ensures that any proposals for care providers are based on accurate consumption data, realistic payback assumptions and an understanding of what matters in a live care environment; minimal disruption, safety and compliance.

By expressing interest, providers gain access to independent energy specialists and a vetted pool of solar installers who understand the specific needs of the care sector. Participation is entirely without charge and obligation, allowing care homes to explore what solar could mean for them before committing to any installation.

For further information and a registration of interest form, click the button below: