ISBA BURSARCAST // Solar Without the Stress: What Every Bursar Needs to Know Before Saying Yes ft. Chris Styles (22nd August, 2025)

This week on the ISBA Bursarcast:
Is solar right for your school—and can it really be affordable, low-risk, and disruption-free?

We’re joined by Chris Styles, Commercial Director at Westwood Energy, to unpack what solar energy looks like in practice for independent schools. From navigating heritage buildings and campus constraints, to funding options with no upfront cost, Chris offers clear, practical advice for bursars and estates leads who are curious—but cautious.

You’ll learn:

• Why now might be the right time to explore solar
• How to tailor a solar design to your school’s unique site
• What funding models work best for schools (including capex-free options)
• How to plan for smooth installation and long-term maintenance
• What to expect from Westwood Energy at the upcoming ISBA Estates Conference

Whether you're at the start of your sustainability journey or ready to run a tender, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to explore solar as part of your school's future.

🎧 Tune in now—because this could be your next big estates win.

Find more from Westwood at https://www.westwood-energy.co.uk/

Contact the podcast at podcast@theisba.org.uk
Tune in to the ISBA Bursarcast Podcast for a comprehensive exploration of the latest in independent school finance, legal developments, and their direct relevance to UK-based institutions.

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Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice

The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production