Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth, confirmed that the scheme will now provide up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar PV installations for eligible schools.
Since its launch in late 2022, the initial phase of the programme has seen over 1,100 schools approved for solar panel installations across eleven counties. Over 1,000 installations have already been confirmed in these areas.
The latest announcement extends the programme to an additional 16 counties, ensuring that schools nationwide can benefit from clean, renewable energy. This initiative will contribute to Ireland's climate goals and provide educational opportunities for students to learn about sustainable energy practices.
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This means that up to 4,000 primary, post-primary and special schools in the country are now 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. 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.
"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. I have seen the PV panels in place in many of the schools that I have visited. I believe 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."
Minister Smyth added: "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, already saving them money on their energy bills by generating their own solar energy and selling their extra power back to the grid. I am looking forward to schools right around 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.
