Green Limerick: Schools set to save thousands on free solar panel installations

OVER 100 schools in Limerick are set to be fitted with new solar PV panels.

118 schools in Limerick city and county have qualified for the installation of new 6kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which equates to approximately 14 units.

Since the launch of the first phase of the government programme late last year, 11 schools in Limerick were eligible for the scheme, which has jumped to 118 this time around in phase two, making the total number 129.

The typical amount a school can save on electricity and utility bills will depend on a number of factors.

However, by way of example, a school with a 6kW Solar PV installation could expect to save in the region of €1200 to €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 €5.5m per year across 4,000 schools.

READ MORE: Bright future for solar farm first, with construction underway

Minister Collins said: “I am delighted to receive confirmation that 129 schools in Limerick have had free solar PV panels installed on their roofs under the Solar for Schools scheme.

“It is a win-win because it is saving schools money and reducing their carbon footprint.”

It comes as Minister for Education, Norma Foley, announced that the Solar for Schools Programme will be extended to all schools nationwide.

Minister Foley said: “The Solar for Schools Programme has delivered a rooftop revolution in more than 1,000 schools so far.

“It has helped these schools to reduce their carbon emissions. It also has the potential to save our schools millions of euro on their energy bills not just for one year, but every year.”

The Solar for Schools Programme is funded by the government’s Climate Action Fund and is 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 Limerick 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.