'Strong demand' for school solar panels as over 900 apply in first phase

Along with reducing costs and emissions, schools will be connected to the electricity grid, allowing them to generate income by selling off excess electricity to power homes and businesses.

“Strong demand” for a scheme which will see all schools fitted with solar panels in an effort to reduce energy costs and cut emissions has seen over 900 schools apply in one month.

The Department of Education said there had been a "strong uptake" among schools since they were invited to apply for the Solar for Schools programme at the end of November.