The Irish government is expanding its Solar for Schools Program to all schools nationwide, building on the success of the pilot launched in November 2023. This initiative encourages schools to adopt clean, low-cost energy by allowing eligible institutions to install between 14 and 16 roof-mounted solar panels, or up to 6 kilowatts peak. Schools will also have access to monitoring technology to track energy savings and efficiency.
Previously, the program approved installations for over 1,100 schools in 11 areas, but the extension will fund up to 4,000 additional schools. By January, more than half of the eligible schools from the first phase had signed up. The overall program aims to install up to 24 MW of renewable energy across schools, generating estimated savings of around €5.5 million annually.
A school with a 6 kW solar installation could save between €1,200 and €1,600 each year, including credit for electricity exports. The solar panels will be connected to the national grid, allowing schools to provide energy to homes and businesses during weekends and holidays.
Ossian Smyth, minister of state at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, expressed his delight at the success of the first phase, highlighting that the initial 1,000 schools are already benefiting from reduced energy bills by generating their own solar power.
Applications for the second phase of Solar for Schools open on November 11, and funding will be sourced from the government’s Climate Action Fund. Schools must obtain five quotes from suppliers to submit via the online portal to the Department of Education. The government cautions that some applicants may not receive funding if their infrastructure is incompatible with current solar technology.
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