Schools to be given funding to install solar panels in bid to reduce emissions and energy costs
The programme provides eligible schools with six kWp of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to about 16 solar panels.
More than one in four schools have been granted funding to install solar panels on their roofs as part of the education sector’s bid to reduce carbon emissions.
Funding approval has been granted to more than 1,100 schools as part of the first phase of the schools photovoltaic (PV) programme, launched first in November 2023.
The programme provides eligible schools with six kWp of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to about 16 solar panels. It is expected to be offered to each of the 4,000 schools around the country.
Since the launch of the first phase of the programme, the Department of Education has had a “very positive” response to the scheme, according to Education Minister Norma Foley.
She confirmed via parliamentary question that funding approval had now been provided to more than 1,100 schools.
"This has been a really positive response in terms of applications for solar panels from schools," Ms Foley said.
"It offers an opportunity for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and to reduce their energy costs."
Given the high volume of schools involved, the department is endeavoring to review each application and address and respond to queries in the earliest possible time, she added.
The next phase of the schools PV programme will see it extended to schools in a further eight counties.
It is expected all eligible schools in the country will have the option to apply to the scheme by the end of the year.
Schools with funding approval then enter a competitive tender process for the provision of the panels.
This system will be designed, installed and commissioned by a contractor on the SEAI Non-Domestic Micro-Generator company list, according to the Department of Education.
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