Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
13. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Youth the percentage of schools that now have solar panels on their roofs; the plans to increase this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of the Schools PV Programme, as well as the inclusion of solar panels in all new school buildings since 2019, at least 90% of schools now have solar panels or have been approved to tender for solar panels.
The Schools PV Programme is a key strand of my Department’s climate action programming, supporting schools to reduce their energy costs, while making progress towards the 2030 and 2050 climate targets.
The programme provides eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on their roofs, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels.
The Schools PV Programme is funded by the 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 overall programme will see up to 24 megawatts of installed renewable energy provision on schools with associated savings in the region of €5.5 million per year across 4,000 schools.
Since the launch of the programme in November 2023, there has been a really positive response in terms of applications for solar panels from schools and we are seeing the impacts today as PV panels are being installed on school roofs around the country.
To date, 3,790 schools, 97% of all eligible schools, have completed the expression of interest stage of the scheme. 88% of schools who expressed interest in the scheme, 3,338 schools, have progressed to tender stage with 93% of those, 3,107 schools, so far approved for funding.
To date, 82% of schools approved for funding, 2,576 schools, have confirmed their installations as complete and further new installations continue to be confirmed regularly.
The installations not only support schools in cutting their carbon emissions and energy costs but also serve as valuable educational tools, engaging pupils and the broader school community in learning about the benefits of solar technology.
