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Free solar photovoltaic system for every school

The Schools Photovoltaic Programme (SPP), an ambitious, multi-annual initiative led by the Department of Education has entered the delivery phase.

Free solar systems for every school

Welcome to the Schools Photovoltaic Programme (SPP), an innovative initiative funded by the Climate Action Fund. At the heart of the SPP is the vision to empower primary and post-primary schools across Ireland with solar energy. This program is designed to provide comprehensive guidance and full funding for the installation of roof-mounted solar PV panels.

Key benefits for a school

Each participating school is eligible for up to 6 kilowatts of solar PV, which roughly translates to about 14 solar panels, along with inverter, mounting systems, monitoring system and the necessary grid connection. An exciting addition to this programme is the inclusion of monitoring software, which has a dual purpose: analysing energy generation and serving as a valuable educational tool. Solar installations on school’s roof will significantly reduce energy costs, positioning participating schools as community leaders in sustainability.

Reduce energy costs

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Savings

Solar panels significantly reduce the electricity bills. By generating their own energy, each school could potentially see annual savings between €1,200 and €1,600 which can then be redirected towards educational resources and improvements

Educational opportunities

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Learning

The School Photovoltaic Programme includes monitoring and display screens for each installation. Solar panels can be used as practical educational tools. They provide a tangible way for students to learn about renewable energy and the science behind solar power.

Income generation

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Deserving

In some cases, schools can generate additional income by selling excess power back to the grid, especially during holidays and weekends when the school is not consuming as much energy.

Community Leadership

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Leading

Schools with solar panels can serve as models of environmental responsibility in their communities. This can encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources in local homes and businesses.

How to apply

Phase 2 of the School Photovoltaic Programme has just commenced. The call for applications is now open to schools located in the following areas:

Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Westmeath, and Wexford.

Step 1

Expression of interest

School will be asked to login to the School Hub and to answer a few questions to determine eligibility. Eligible schools will then receive email approval to obtain quotes.

Step 2

Obtain quotes

Each school will contact a solar company approved by SEAI for Non-Domestic installations. Once obtained 5 quotes schools will log in into the Hub and upload quotes for review.

Step 3

Application for funding

On funding approval by the Department of Education, an email notification will be issued to the school. The school should the confirm their order to the successful contractor.

Key dates & Deadlines

Tendering contractors will provide quotations directly to the schools who in turn will submit these to the Department of Education for review and provision of full funding for approved costs.

Solis Green Energy is SEAI registered for Domestic and Non-Domestic installations

 

Please reach out for a competitive quote for the School Photovoltaic Programme and have a meaningful conversation with our solar experts.

Request a Quote

Request a Quote - School Phase Two (#20)

What is the impact of 16 panels

A full optional 6Kw solar system, usually composed by 14-16 high-performing south facing solar panels, represents a game changer for any school in Ireland. Such a system can easily generate up to 6,000 watts of electricity, enough to dramatically reduce your electricity bills. This is not only a financial benefit, but will significantly contribute to environmental sustainability.

0Kg / year

Quantity of co2 offset

In Ireland, a 6KW solar system produces, on average, 15 KWh per day. Considering that each KWh of electricity generated by a coal power plant emits 1.18 kg of CO2, a 6KW system effectively offsets about 17.4 kg of CO2 daily. This amounts to an annual reduction of 6.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

0Trees / Year

equivalent trees

Planting a tree can absorb approximately 21 kg of CO2 annually. In comparison, a 6kW solar system is equivalent to the CO2 absorption of 474 trees each year. As a result, over its 25-year warranty period, the solar system is comparable to planting a total of 11,800 trees, roughly 64 acres of forest.

Our solar solutions showcase

Why Solis Green Energy

Choosing us means partnering with a trusted SEAI-registered provider for both
domestic and commercial solar installations. Our team, with years of experience in the solar industry, has a proven track record of delivering successful solar projects across a variety of sectors.

Our commitment starts with a free nationwide site survey, ensuring a competitive proposal tailored to your business needs and requirements.

 

Extensive expertise

Competitive Pricing

Certified Installers

Proactive support

New Solis Green Energy Van

What our customers say

The entire process was straightforward
Solis Green Energy Ltd recently installed solar panels in our school. The entire process was straightforward, Luca and Navid were very helpful, the contractors who worked in our school were very efficient. We would have no hesitation ...
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Scoil Naomh Ciarán
Galway West
Solis Green Energy Ltd recently installed solar panels in our school. The entire process was straightforward, Luca and Navid were very helpful, the contractors who worked in our school were very efficient. We would have no hesitation in working with them again in the future.
The entire process was straightforward
Scoil Naomh Ciarán
Galway West
I was very happy with the service
I was very happy with the service provided by Solis Green energy and Navid was very friendly and informative without being a pushy sales person. I would recommend this company no problem
Samantha S
Dublin
I was very happy with the service provided by Solis Green energy and Navid was very friendly and informative without being a pushy sales person. I would recommend this company no problem
I was very happy with the service
Samantha S
Dublin
Solis Green Energy was recommended to us
Solis Green Energy was recommended to us by a friend who was super impressed by the efficiency and cleanliness of their installation at his home. We were not disappointed. Navid and his team installed 10 solar...
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Eddie M
Dublin
Solis Green Energy was recommended to us by a friend who was super impressed by the efficiency and cleanliness of their installation at his home. We were not disappointed. Navid and his team installed 10 solar panels on our roof, an Eddi in our hotpress, a battery and inverter in our boiler house and a car charger on the gable wall of our home. We are delighted with the 45% reduction in our ESB bills, in addition to the €275 worth of electricity exported to the grid over the past two months. Well done, Navid, and thank you so much for the great after-sales service.
Solis Green Energy was recommended to us
Eddie M
Dublin
quick, efficient, and reliable service
The team delivered a quick, efficient, and reliable service. I was up and running very quickly. The took care of the SEAI grant, which was approved without issue. I have already recommended them to friends and family.</...
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David C
Dublin 1
The team delivered a quick, efficient, and reliable service. I was up and running very quickly. The took care of the SEAI grant, which was approved without issue. I have already recommended them to friends and family.
quick, efficient, and reliable service
David C
Dublin 1
Great team of guys
Great team of guys, they guided us through every step of the installation, very professional, knowledgeable, excellent communications, even repaired some of our roof tiles, overall a great service, would definitely recommend this company
Hugh M
Howth
Great team of guys, they guided us through every step of the installation, very professional, knowledgeable, excellent communications, even repaired some of our roof tiles, overall a great service, would definitely recommend this company
Great team of guys
Hugh M
Howth
I would give 10 stars if I could!
I would give 10 stars if I could! From the very start, communication with Navid was excellent and he explained everything to me on my level. The installation went just as planned. Afterwards there were hiccups, due not ...
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Fiona C
Wicklow
I would give 10 stars if I could! From the very start, communication with Navid was excellent and he explained everything to me on my level. The installation went just as planned. Afterwards there were hiccups, due not to their work but to my ancient cottage, but Navid and team patiently persevered until the system was working flawlessly.Their work, attitude and care is second to none. I really cannot recommend them enough!
I would give 10 stars if I could!
Fiona C
Wicklow
I could not recommend Solis Green energy enough
I could not recommend Solis Green energy enough. From our initial consultation with Navid, right through to the final commissioning of the system. Everything was installed in two visits. The whole process was relatively stress free and ...
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Pat M
Dublin
I could not recommend Solis Green energy enough. From our initial consultation with Navid, right through to the final commissioning of the system. Everything was installed in two visits. The whole process was relatively stress free and am delighted with our panels. The app is great!
I could not recommend Solis Green energy enough
Pat M
Dublin
Easy, quick and professional.
Easy, quick and professional.
Gretta M
Galway
Easy, quick and professional.
Easy, quick and professional.
Gretta M
Galway
Had 12 solar panels
Had 12 solar panels with battery and hot water system fitted in Dublin with Solis Green Energy. Navid was very thorough with advise, quotes, estimates etc and the job was finished really quickly. Surprising...
Read More
Barbara S
Dublin
Had 12 solar panels with battery and hot water system fitted in Dublin with Solis Green Energy. Navid was very thorough with advise, quotes, estimates etc and the job was finished really quickly. Surprising how fast it gets done and the SEAI grant approval of €2,400 was instant. I would recommend Solis as a reputable company to work with.
Had 12 solar panels
Barbara S
Dublin
I rarely do the review
I rarely do the reviews however I cannot find the words how happy I am with my solar panels installation. On installation day, the team arrived promptly on time and worked efficiently to get everything set up. ...
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Kasia
Dublin
I rarely do the reviews however I cannot find the words how happy I am with my solar panels installation. On installation day, the team arrived promptly on time and worked efficiently to get everything set up. They were careful to make sure that everything was installed correctly and the work was done to a superb level. Navid and the guys always answered all my queries. Once the panels were installed, they provided me with a detailed walkthrough of the system and showed me how to monitor its performance. So yes I highly recommend both solar installation and the company we used.
I rarely do the review
Kasia
Dublin

Start your solar journey

Solis Green Energy is SEAI licensed for Domestic and Non-Domestic solar installations. Please reach out for a competitive quote and have a meaningful conversation with our solar experts

Request a Quote - School Phase Two (#20)

FAQ

Are you a registered installer ?

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Our company, Solis Green Energy Ltd, is a SEAI registered company for both Domestic and Non-Domestic installations. Our SEAI registration number is 50410.

What works are covered by the SPP funding?

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The funding covers up to 6kW of roof-mounted solar PV (approximately 16 solar panels), including all associated hardware (inverters, isolators, cabling, mounting system, etc.) to connect the panels to the school’s main distribution board. The connection to the grid is also included to allow unused renewable solar energy to feed to the grid when schools are closed

Which school is eligible for the SPP funding ?

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Participation in this programme is limited to recognised schools in the free education scheme. Schools applying for funding under this programme must have appropriate roof areas to accommodate 6kW of PV. Schools with existing PV systems that were not provided or funded by the Department of Education can also submit applications for this programme.

What if the school already has a PV system installed ?

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All schools are requested to submit an expression of interest for the programme, regardless of eligibility. This helps in ensuring all schools receive an invitation to participate and helps identify any existing barriers to PV installation. Schools that received 6kW or more of PV panels funded by the Department of Education, installed after 1 January 2018, may not be eligible for additional funding under this programme as they already have a modern PV installation. However, schools with existing PV systems not provided or funded by the Department of Education can avail of this scheme. Also, schools with an existing PV system that is less than 6kW and may have been funded by the Department of Education are eligible to apply for 6kW of PV under this scheme .

Why is 1 January 2018 relevant in determining eligibility ?

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This date is significant due to a change in the Building Regulations which required PV installations in new school buildings. From January 2018, schools not completed to wall plate level were required to meet 10% of their primary energy requirements through the installation of substantial PV installations. This regulation was part of the Building Regulations 2017 Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Energy for Buildings other than Dwellings, published on 22 December 2017 by the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government .

Will the SPP programme cover other energy efficiency works ?

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NO, the School Photovoltaic Programme is confined only to solar photovoltaic systems provision.

Will the SPP programme cover other energy efficiency works?

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NO, the School Photovoltaic Programme is confined only to solar photovoltaic systems provision.

Is the school required to contribute towards the costs/pay a local contribution ?

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No, the funds approved by the Department of Education will be on the basis of 100% of actual cost.

Why is a consultant not needed to oversee the works ?

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As the works are specific and the SEAI Non-Domestic Micro-Generator Company list is in place, and the programme guidance documents are detailed, the engagement of an external consultant is not generally necessary.

What manufacturer are you using for solar panels ?

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Regarding the manufacturer and model specifications for our solar panels, we primarily utilise high-efficiency solar panels from renowned Tier-1 companies like Jinko Solar, a global manufacturer listed on the NYSE. Depending on availability and pricing, we are also equipped to provide alternatives from other manufacturers such as Longi Solar and Recom.

What manufacturer are you using for inverters ?

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In relation to inverters, our standard choice is the reliable range from Sofar Solar, renowned for their impressive average efficiency rating of 98.7%. However, should your requirements differ, we are also equipped to offer high-quality alternatives from industry leaders such as Huawei and Solis Inverters. Detailed datasheets and specifications are available upon request and will be definitively shared during the contracting phase.

How long does it take to install a typical solar system?

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On average, a residential PV system can take between one and three days to install, depending on complexity and PV location.
Before installation, our specialist will typically conduct a site assessment to assess any potential issues that may affect the installation timeline.

How long solar panels last?

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Solar panels are built to be durable and long-lasting. On average, solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years.
However, this doesn't mean they stop producing electricity after this period; it just indicates that energy production might decrease to a level considered less efficient than their original output.
With proper maintenance, panels can continue to operate effectively for many years beyond their expected lifespan.