Solar For Schools Programme | Solar Panels Grant

The Solar For Schools Programme Is Here

Across the twenty-six counties in the Republic of Ireland, the discussions about energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are becoming more important and more frequent than ever before.

In November 2023, the Irish government took a huge step to demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to renewable energy and climate action by launching the first phase of the Solar For Schools Programme. Since its launch late last year, more than 1,100 schools have been approved for PV panels on their roofs in 11 counties, with over 1,000 of these installations having already been completed.

Good News! The Solar for Schools Programme will now be extended to all schools nationwide, providing eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations which equates to approximately 14 solar panels.

As the longest established solar panel company in Ireland (established in 2005), the Solar Home team has dreamed of the day when the need for solar technology across the country and in schools would be recognised and promoted on a national scale. We understand more than anyone how climate change is central to Ireland’s social and economic development.

The importance of educating school students about solar energy uses, benefits and effects is crucial, as the present-day school children are the pilots and decision-makers of the future. Included in the scheme, monitoring software is also being provided to each school to facilitate discussions between the students and teachers about the energy generated each day. Partnering with many schools during the past 12 months of the pilot scheme has enabled Solar Home to install and supply solar energy nationwide and enjoy these school discussions.

In this blog, you can enjoy an in-depth overview of all you need to know about the Solar For Schools Programme, its application process, and its many long term benefits to your school as you commence your solar journey and look towards the use of solar technology. We hope the Solar Home team can be a part of it.

What Do Solar Panels for Schools Cost?

The Solar for Schools Programme is funded by the Government’s Climate Action Fund, meaning that schools face zero costs, but will reap the rewards that accompany 14 roof-mounted solar panels.

The actual cost of installing a 6KW solar system on any property in Ireland ranges anywhere from €6,000 to €17,000, with the large cost differential explained by factors such as the quality of the solar panels and components, installation and labour costs, maintenance and warranty.

This free support offered by the Solar For Schools Programme is intended to assist schools in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint as part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets for the schools’ sector.

What Savings Can Be Expected From The Solar Energy Grants for Schools?

The answer to this is not black and white, and the typical amount a school can save will depend on a number of factors. Under the Solar For Schools Programme, schools will receive up to 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, for which savings of €1200-1600 per annum could be expected (or €1,375 per school on average).

On a nationwide basis, the overall programme will see up to 24 megawatts of installed renewable energy provision on schools with associated savings in the region of €5.5 million per year across 4,000 schools.

Is My School Eligible For the Solar For Schools Program?

Funding for the final phase of the Solar For Schools programme has now been approved to proceed with solar PV installations in the remaining 16 counties.

From Monday 11th November, applications are open for all primary, post-primary and special schools in the country to apply for funding to cover the cost of installing solar panels on their rooftops.

All 4,000 remaining eligible schools will also be contacted by the Department and invited to apply from Monday 11th November. Some schools may not be able to avail of scheme funding immediately due to infrastructure that is not compatible with the new technology solar panels; this may include incompatible roofs or electrical systems. You do not need to wait to be contacted by the Department to kickstart the application process however, and your school can begin by securing a solar quotation today by contacting us at info@wordpress-1487131-5663512.cloudwaysapps.com or by giving us a call on +353 91 848 700.

How To Apply For The Free Solar Panels For Schools Grant?

Applying to the Schools PV Programme for your school is a quick and manageable task! The scheme is designed to be as streamlined as possible and uses an online system to facilitate communications with schools. In this regard, the Department of Education has set up School Hub, an online platform where you can carry out the simple five-step application process and which is also part of the Department’s geographic information system (GIS).

The School Hub online platform provides a clear and efficient application and approvals process for schools applying to take part. On Monday 11th November, each school will receive unique login details for School Hub from SchoolsPVProgramme@education.gov.ie to begin completing the 5 easy steps outlined below:

Complete Expression of Interest
Obtain five quotes from suppliers
Funding Approval
Works Completion and Final Payment
Performance Feedback of PV 12 months post installation

Benefits of Solar Energy in Schools

The Department of Education has described the Solar for Schools Programme scheme as starting a “rooftop revolution” in many towns and cities. The visibility of the solar panels on schools is sparking discussion and uptake of solar technology in the wider community, accelerating the installation of PV panels on the roofs of homes and businesses witnessing renewable energy in action in their local school buildings.

As well as the obvious climate benefit of helping nationwide schools to reduce their carbon emissions, the scheme is also creating the opportunity for schools to save millions of euro on their energy bills not just for one year, but every year.

In addition to getting the benefits of lower energy bills, schools will be creating renewable energy that will be crucial for assisting Ireland and the EU to climate targets. All School PV panel installations are being connected to the electricity grid to ensure that solar energy can power the homes and businesses of Ireland when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.

Last but not least, there is also the long term benefit of delivering a solar education to students ranging in ages across the country. Students will be hugely involved in the solar energy optimisation of schools and understanding the positive impact their efforts will make on our environment and their future world.

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Many Schools using solar panels in Galway and around the country have partnered with the experienced Solar Home team to join the solar energy tech schools community. Some of the schools we we have serviced and continue to educate and guide include: Esker National School, Eagles Nest National School, Clonbern National School, Kilkerrin National School, Cooloo National School and many more.

If you are interested in solar energy and want to learn more about solar technology, innovations, financial savings and the environmental impact of solar-powered energy, we invite you to give as a no obligation call on +353 91 848 700 for a friendly chat or email us at info@wordpress-1487131-5663512.cloudwaysapps.com. Alternatively, visit our office in Athenry (H65 CK46), where we are always ready and waiting to answer your solar-related questions and help you identify potential solar solutions.

The Solar Home team are proud to operate in the solar power industry where we can make a difference in our local schools and communities every day.