The project, funded through the NHS solar initiative supported by Great British Energy and NHS England, is helping the trust generate more of its own electricity, reduce reliance on the grid, and improve energy resilience across multiple sites.
When fully operational, the first phase is expected to generate more than 367,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually. Solar panels are already in place at Archery House, Greenacres, The Beacon, St Martin’s Hospital, and the Trevor Gibbens Unit. New installations are now live at Kings Road Clinic in Herne Bay, the Rosebud Centre in West Malling, the Rivendell Unit in Sandwich, Ash Eton in Folkestone, Oak Apple, Littlebrook Hospital, and Heathside.
Sirina Blankson, head of sustainability, environment, and EFM compliance assurance at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “This investment demonstrates how sustainability can deliver direct benefits for patient care. By generating more renewable energy on site, we can reduce costs, cut carbon emissions and strengthen the resilience of our estate. Every pound we save on energy can be reinvested into supporting our services and the people who rely on them.”