Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the Schools Photovoltaic Programme, which rolled out to over 1,600 schools last November, installations will be for a maximum of 6 kWp (approximately 16 solar panels) in size and will be fully funded by the Government’s Climate Action Fund.

Schools in the following areas were invited to participate in the first phase: Co. Clare, Co. Donegal, Dublin City Council area, Co. Galway, Co. Kerry, Co. Kilkenny, Co. Leitrim, Co. Limerick, Co. Offaly, Co. Waterford and Co. Wicklow.

This scheme can only be used to support installations of up to 6 kWp (kilowatt peak) in size on existing building rooftops.

This was specifically chosen 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 will be 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.

Schools wishing to install a larger array cannot be funded under the Schools PV Programme. Such schools may be able to avail of the SEAI’s NDMG grant to assist with the cost of these larger systems.

It is expected that all 4,000 schools will have the opportunity to avail of the Schools Photovoltaic Programme by the end of this year.