Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2024
87. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to the inflexibility of the free solar panel roll-out for schools scheme; if a higher than 6 kw generating yield system can be contracted for the same price; if a school is allowed that flexibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23153/24]
View answerThe first phase of the Schools Photovoltaic (PV) Programme was launched to over 1600 schools in November 2024.
It will provide eligible schools with 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
The scheme is funded from 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 scheme will assist schools in reducing their energy costs and their 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 will also be connected to the electricity grid, so that the schools can generate income by powering other homes and businesses with clean energy when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.
As announced at the time of Budget 23, the scheme is based on funding up to 6 kWp (kilowatt peak) installations. This was specifically chosen and announced such that the grid connection process is covered under the ESB Networks ‘NC6 inform and fit’ notification process. Unlike the NC7 and NC8 mini and small-scale generator connection processes (which covers installations greater than 6 kWp), there are no additional costs for schools under the NC6 process and there are no grid restrictions limiting export.
Schools are able to choose an energy supply company offering the best value tariffs for both the import and export of electricity, with the opportunity to maximise their remuneration during the summer months and other times when the school is not occupied, under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme. To comply with the above it is not possible for additional panels to be installed.
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, when the credit they’ve earned for selling electricity to the grid is taken into account.
Monitoring software will also be provided to each school, to allow review and discussion of the energy generated each day for staff and students.
The Schools PV Programme is just one measure being implemented by the Department of Education to support schools on their decarbonisation journeys. A budget of approximately €160m has been invested retrofitting 54 schools across Ireland to date, with a further 24 schools currently ongoing, under the Schools Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme since 2017.
School-led initiatives on climate and biodiversity are also very welcome and will contribute to the overall approach.
