Waterford schools leading 'rooftop revolution' with solar panels scheme

Green Party TD for Waterford has commended the Waterford schools who he says "have been leading the Rooftop Revolution to fight climate change" by installing solar panels on their school buildings as part of the ‘Solar for Schools’ programme.

Waterford was one of the counties chosen to take part in Phase One of the Scheme. Since the launch of the first phase of the programme late last year, more than 1,100 schools have been approved for PV panels on their roofs in eleven areas around the country including Waterford.

The scheme which provides eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on their roofs (approximately 14 solar panels) will now be expanded nationwide. Funding has now been approved to proceed with solar PV installations on all remaining eligible schools in 16 counties – Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wexford.

Speaking after the announcement of the expansion of the scheme, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said: “It was important for me that Waterford was one of the counties in Phase One of the ‘Solar for Schools’ scheme and I’m delighted it has been such a success that it’s now being extended across the country. This is a win win for everyone – the schools, the environment an the children who want to see adults play a role in addressing climate change.”

READ NEXT: Waterford man who left Ireland for 'better life' is back to run in General Election

“The installation of panels is reducing the energy costs of the school while also bringing climate benefits and helping to create jobs throughout the county. Not only are the schools producing electricity for their own use but they are also exporting to the grid as schools remain closed a lot of the time, including the summer.”

“The typical amount a school can save will depend on a number of factors but a school with a 6 kW Solar PV installation could expect to save in the region of €1200-1600 per annum on their bill, including credit for their electricity export. As a parent and a former teacher, I know only too well the financial constraints on our school and this makes a significant difference. The expansion of the scheme will mean that up to 4,000 primary, post-primary and special schools in the country are now all eligible for PV panels.”

“This scheme is also helping our schools reduce their carbon emissions, an important factor in fighting climate change.”

Deputy Ó Cathasaigh’s Green Party colleague Minister Ossian Smyth said: “I’m delighted to see that the first part of the solar schools project has been such a success. The first 1,000 schools now have their solar panels, saving them money on their energy bills. The project has cost less than expected so far and will easily pay for itself with the money saved. I am looking forward to every school in the country getting the benefit of lower energy bills while helping Ireland meet our climate targets.

The Solar for Schools Programme is funded by the Government’s Climate Action Fund in line with the Government’s recognition that taking action on climate change is central to Ireland’s social and economic development. It is assisting 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.

The solar PV panels in schools are being connected to the electricity grid, so that solar energy can power other homes and businesses when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.

The typical amount a school can save will depend on a number of factors. However, by way of example, a school with a 6 kW Solar PV installation could expect to save in the region of €1200-1600 per annum on their bill, including credit for their electricity export.

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.

Monitoring software is also being provided to each school to allow review and discussion of the energy generated each day for staff and students.

As well as the obvious financial and climate benefits, the visibility of the solar panels on schools is also delivering the added benefit of encouraging discussion and uptake of the technology in the wider community.

The final phase of the scheme will open for applications on Monday 11th November 2024. All remaining schools will be contacted by the Department and invited to apply from that date.

The scheme is designed to be as streamlined as possible for schools using an online system to facilitate communications with schools. In this regard, the Department of Education has set up School Hub, an online platform which is part of the Department’s geographic information system (GIS).The online platform provides a simple, clear and efficient application and approvals process for schools applying to take part.

Schools will be required to get five quotes from suppliers and submit to the Department of Education via the School Hub for review.

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.

The Department will be in contact with any schools that applied, but did not have their PV installations delivered during Phase 1, to discuss next steps. These schools will be treated as a priority in this next and final phase.