Schools across Donegal will be fully funded to install up to 16 solar panels on their roof under a new government scheme.
The School Photovoltaic Scheme will allow them to benefit from reduced energy costs and lower their emissions, said Senator Pauline O’Reilly.
Donegal is one of 11 counties that have been prioritised for the roll out of the new initiative which opens for applications next week.
Under the Department of the Environment’s Climate Action Fund, eligible schools will be given funding so they can install a 6 kilowatt roof-mounted solar PV system.
It is estimated that such a system could save the school in the region of €1,200-€1,600 every year on their energy bills. They will be able to sell their excess energy back to the grid when it is not being used.
Schools will also be given monitoring software that will allow students and staff to monitor the energy being generated and help educate students on the value of solar energy.
Senator Pauline O’Reilly.
Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly said: “I’m thrilled that Donegal schools will be some of the first in the country to avail of this new scheme. It is something I have raised on a number of occasions and I’m glad that the Department of Education has started the roll out.”
Making our schools more energy efficient, she said, is a ‘win-win’.
“It’s also a valuable learning opportunity for young people to see the practical side of delivering solar energy,” Sen O’Reilly concluded.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth, launched the commencement of the first phase of the Schools Photovoltaic Programme today.
