Flaherty welcomes expansion of Solar for Schools Programme to Longford
Since the launch of the first phase of the programme more than 1,100 schools have been approved for PV panels on their roofs
Fianna Fail TD Longford TD Joe Flaherty said he is 'delighted' by the expansion of the Solar for Schools Programme to include eligible schools in Longford.
The scheme provides eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on their roofs, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels.
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 11 areas around the country.
Deputy Flaherty said: "I am delighted to receive confirmation that funding has been approved to proceed with solar PV installations on eligible schools in Louth. The Solar for Schools Scheme is a win-win because it is saving schools money and reducing their carbon footprint."
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Minister Foley has now approved funding to proceed with solar PV installations for all school nationwide.
This means that up to 4,000 primary, post-primary and special schools in the country are now all eligible for PV panels.
Minister Foley said the Solar for Schools Programme has delivered a rooftop revolution in more than 1,000 schools so far and she stated it has helped these schools to reduce their carbon emissions.
She insisted it also has the potential to save our schools millions of euro on their energy bills not just for one year, but every year.
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"I am therefore delighted today to announce that every school in the country can now apply for the Solar for Schools Programme, as we launch this second and final phase," she said. "I have seen the PV panels in place in many of the schools that I have visited."
Minister Foley said she believes the Solar for Schools Programme will accelerate the installation of PV panels on the roofs of homes and businesses because people can see the benefits of renewable energy in action in their local school buildings.”
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.
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 €1,200-€1,600 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.