In a significant move towards sustainable education, more than two-thirds of Irish schools have either installed solar panels or are in the process of getting them, marking a major milestone in the country’s educational green initiative.
The solar for schools programme, launched in 2023, has already seen remarkable success with over 1,100 schools approved for roof-mounted solar panels. More than 1,000 installations have been completed across 11 counties, and since October’s nationwide expansion, an additional 1,660 schools have entered the tender process.
Under the scheme, each participating school receives approximately 14 solar panels, providing 6 kilowatts of peak power. Education Minister Norma Foley emphasized that this initiative helps schools reduce both their carbon footprint and energy costs, supporting broader public sector climate action targets which aim for a 51% reduction in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
According to The Irish Examiner, the innovative aspect of the programme extends beyond school hours – the panels connect to the national electricity grid, allowing excess energy generated during weekends and holidays to power nearby homes and businesses. Schools can expect to save between €1,200 and €1,600 annually on their energy bills, including credits for exported electricity.
While the programme was initially announced with a €50m budget to cover the country’s 4,000 schools, the Department of Education is now keeping the exact funding figure under wraps to ensure competitive contractor quotes. The complete rollout is expected to generate up to 24 megawatts of renewable energy, potentially saving schools collectively around €5.5m per year.