Cut costs and carbon by expanding solar panel scheme for schools, says Corkery

Fine Gael Councillor Luke Corkery has called for the reopening and expansion of the Government’s Solar for Schools Programme.

The second phase of the scheme, which was open for applications between November 2024 and March 2025, provided eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.

“I’ve spoken to school principals who are doing everything they can to manage rising costs”, Cllr. Corkery said.

“One of the biggest challenges is undoubtedly mounting energy bills, putting additional pressure on schools that are already on tight budgets.

“It should never be the case that principals are spending time worrying about how they’re going to pay their bills; time that could, and should, be spent leading the education and wellbeing of our next generation.

“Schools want to be part of the solution. The Solar for Schools Programme has not only helped schools reduce energy costs; it has significantly helped reduce carbon emissions and has demonstrated real, local climate action.

“However, the scheme capped schools at 16 panels each, regardless of size or number of pupils.

“Larger schools naturally consume more energy and receive larger energy bills, but they also have more space to put solar panels.

“To me, the obvious solution is more ambitious support from Government to get more panels on schools’ rooftops. It’s a win-win — for our schools, and for our planet.

“Helping schools reduce their energy bills through more solar panels has the potential to be a crucial part of the response to meeting our 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets.

“It also has the potential to give principals greater peace of mind.

“That’s why I have written to my colleague, Minister Helen McEntee, requesting not only the reopening of the Solar for Schools Programme for another phase, but also its expansion to allow for more solar panels on school roofs”, concluded Cllr. Corkery.