Galway is leading the way with applications for the new Solar for Schools programme, which helps schools get solar PV panels installed.
Solar for Schools provides grant funding for schools to have up to 6kWp worth of solar PV installed on their rooftops, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
The programme was announced in November, with the first phase open to 1,600 schools in eleven counties.
So far, the county with the most expressions of interest applications for the scheme is Galway, followed by Donegal, Dublin City Council and Kerry.
There has been a strong uptake from schools, with 908 schools out of 1,600 submitting expressions of interest in the first phase of the scheme since the scheme opened on November 30.
Education Minister Norma Foley said, “There has been a really positive response in terms of applications for solar panels from our schools.”
“This offers an opportunity for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and to reduce their energy costs. So thanks to those who have applied and to those who are still considering applying, early in the new year is the time to do it.”
The solar PV panels in schools will also be connected to the electricity grid, so that the schools can obtain credits on their bills by powering other homes and businesses with clean energy when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.
Schools can expect to save anywhere from €1,200 to €1,600 on their electricity bills each year after taking into account the excess electricity they are selling.
Minister of State Ossian Smyth said, “It’s great that schools are benefitting from solar panels they are having installed – this means that they see their electricity bills drop whilst also doing their bit for the climate.”
“There is also an added educational aspect to this as each of these schools will have a display screen to let staff and students know how much power is being generated and teaching materials will be offered to schools so that students can learn about solar power.”
The first phase of the programme is open to schools in Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Limerick, Offaly, Waterford and Wicklow and the Dublin City Council area of Dublin.
Schools will have to submit evidence of obtaining three quotations by March 15 and the target date for installing the solar panels is May 30.
The intention is to include a further eight counties in phase two in Q2 2024 and the remaining eight counties in Q4 2024.
It is intended that all eligible schools across the country will have the opportunity to apply to the scheme by the end of 2024.
