Solar For Schools Programme: 100% Free Solar Panels For Eligible Schools

School Solar Panel Grants Ireland | Schools Photovoltaic Programme 2024

Transform your school with fully funded solar power. The Department of Education now provides 100% funding for school solar installations, available across all Irish counties from November 11th, 2024. Secure your school's sustainable future with expert guidance through the entire grant process.

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Get Expert Solar PV Installation Today

Contact Solar Path for more information and a free consultation about your solar project. Our team will conduct your research and a site survey and provide a detailed quote for your solar PV design and installation.

Power your school with solar — here's how.

Your Journey to Solar Power

The path to solar energy for your school follows four straightforward steps through the Schools Photovoltaic Programme:

1. Initial Expression of Interest

Access your School Hub online system portal Complete eligibility assessment for the solar grants Receive quote collection approval from the Department of Education

2. Documentation Phase

Obtain three qualified quotes from approved contractors Submit SPP06 tender forms with detailed system specifications Department review process evaluates compatibility with school electrical systems.

3. Funding Allocation

Receive approval notification for your solar PV system 85% initial funding transfer for installation Contractor appointment with full funding confirmation.

4. Installation and Completion

Solar Installation including grid connection Compliance certification ensures all energy efficiency standards are met Final 15% payment release upon successful completion

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Benefits of School Solar Installation

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Zero upfront costs through 100% funding from school solar panel grants

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Comprehensive solar PV installations including electricity grid connection

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Reduced energy bills and operational costs throughout the school year

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Enhanced STEM learning opportunities for students and teachers

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Environmental leadership in your community through lower carbon emissions

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Protection against rising energy costs even during school holidays

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Energy independence and resilience with energy generated on-site

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Real-world sustainability education supporting climate change awareness

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Real-time solar energy monitoring for schools.

Solar PV System Monitoring

All schools receive monitoring software with a display screen showing real-time energy production. This educational tool allows students to understand how renewable energy works while tracking the school's carbon footprint reduction. The monitoring system displays:

  • Daily energy generated from solar panels

  • Carbon emissions saved through renewable energy use

  • Energy consumption patterns during school hours

  • Potential battery storage integration options for future phases

Energy Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You Asked, We Answered!

How much of a grant can a school get for solar panels?
The Department of Education covers 100% of costs for installing up to 6kW of roof-mounted solar PV. This includes all equipment, grid connection, and minor electrical modifications required for installation.

Who is eligible for the SEAI grant for schools?
Most Irish schools qualify for this programme. The main exception applies to schools that received Department-funded 6kW+ solar installations after January 2018. Schools with independently funded existing systems remain eligible.

How much does it cost to install solar panels in a school in Ireland?
Under the current scheme, qualifying schools face no direct costs. A typical 6kW system installation, valued at approximately €9,000, is fully funded through the programme, with 85% provided upfront and 15% upon completion.

Is it worth installing solar panels in a school?
Solar panels offer significant benefits for schools:
Match energy generation with school hours
Reduce operational costs
Create practical learning opportunities
Lower carbon footprint
Build community engagement
Provide long-term energy security

How many solar panels are required to power a school?
A standard 6kW system typically requires 13-16 panels, suitable for most schools' daytime electricity needs. The exact configuration depends on your school's energy consumption patterns and available roof space.

Do schools need planning permission for solar panel installations in Ireland?
Most school solar installations qualify as exempted development. Your installation will comply with all SPP guidelines and Department specifications, with our team managing all necessary 

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Many solar panels seen from a bird's-eye view
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Our Partners:

Get Expert Solar PV Installation Today

Contact Solar Path for more information and a free consultation about your solar project. Our team will conduct your research and a site survey and provide a detailed quote for your solar PV design and installation.

SolarPath Testimonials

What our customers say about us

Experiencing the Solar Path difference - where quality meets reliability, as told by our valued customers.

Patt Moss client icon

Pat Moss

19 Mar 2025

"I've just had Solar Path to install panels and a battery. The service has been outstanding. From day one, dealing with Solar Path has been fast and very easy. From survey right upto the installation, everything was excellent. "
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John Paul O'Gorman

8 Feb 2025

"Very happy working with SolarPath to get our 20 panel 5kW system installed. Ken and his team couldn’t have been more helpful in getting the correct solution for our needs. The after service support has been very strong and reassuring."
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Thomas Quigley

19 Jan 2025

"Excellent value for money & high quality products & work. The installation was unobtrusive & despite inclement weather conditions the works were completed as agreed. Communications were clear with regular updating. "
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Javier

6 Sept 2024

"SolarPath answered all my questions and advice during the process based on my requirements to get a customized solution which allows me working from home reducing my bills and provides fault tolerance in case of power outage."
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Graham

11 June 2024

"Install was very professional and neat. Very easy to deal with, nothing seemed like an issue to them, even though our roof slates are very difficult to work with (break very easily). The lads also fixed slates in areas of our roof away from the PV install."
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Charlie Haly

13 June 2024

"This is a new adventure for us. The lads fitting the system are very professional and obviously excellent at their jobs. Would highly recommend them. All our questions are answered immediately, Ken has a great team working with him. Well done all."
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Jason Keyter

9 April 2024

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"Would not hesitate to recommend Solar Path, they walked me through each step of the way and then some, their quality of workmanship is fantastic, and the installation team were efficient and friendly."
Chris Bowes client icon

Chris Bowes

4 July 2024

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"My husband and i were delighted with our solar installation from start to finish. The lads were fantastic. Great work ethic and very professional at all times while on site.They kept both of us involved every step of the way."
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Robert Cantwell

14 August 2024

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"Solar Path is the only company you should be trusting with your investment in Solar PV and green energy. Solar Path was by far the most honest, accurate, and professional in terms of the online solar design and the onsite physical assessment."

Alex Hyland

23 Apr 2024

"Solarpath installed my panels some six months ago. All was done in one day without fuss os mess. They put an app on my phone so I can easily monitor my production of free, green power. A great company to deal with. Highly recommended."

Mary Delaforce

23 Apr 2024

"My whole experience with solar path was very professional and efficient. The team were really helpful and no job was too much for them. They left the house tidy and had the job done in 2 days. I had 16 panels installed and I’m very happy with the system so far."

Daphne

29 Apr 2024

"Really professional service and very efficient supply. Am delighted with the battery and panels that they fitted and the advice on which system would suit our needs best"

Jason Keyter

21 May 2024

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Solar Path for the installation of a solar panel system, complete with an inverter and battery, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. From start to finish, the entire process was smooth and efficient..."

Learn more about Solar

Frequently asked questions

More questions? Feel free to contact us

How much of a grant can a school get for solar panels?

The Department of Education covers 100% of costs for installing up to 6kW of roof-mounted solar PV. This includes all equipment, grid connection, and minor electrical modifications required for installation. The full funding ensures national schools can benefit regardless of budget constraints.

Who is eligible for the SEAI grant for schools?

Most Irish schools qualify for this programme through the schools grant scheme. The main exception applies to schools that received Department-funded 6kW+ solar installations after January 2018. Schools with independently funded existing systems remain eligible for the first phase of this pilot scheme.

How much does it cost to install solar panels in a school in Ireland?

Under the current scheme, qualifying schools face no direct costs for free solar panels. A typical 6kW system installation, valued at approximately €9,000, is fully funded through the programme, with 85% provided upfront and 15% upon completion. This investment helps schools reduce their energy costs significantly.

How many solar panels are required to power a school?

A standard 6kW system typically requires 13-16 PV panels, suitable for most schools' daytime electricity needs. The exact configuration depends on your school's energy consumption patterns and available roof space. For incompatible roofs, alternative arrangements can be discussed.

Do schools need planning permission for solar panel installations in Ireland?

Most school solar installations qualify as exempted development. Your installation will comply with all SPP guidelines and Department specifications, with our team managing all necessary paperwork. The Schools Photovoltaic Programme ensures all regulatory requirements are addressed.

Is it worth installing solar panels in a school?

Solar panels offer significant benefits for schools

  • Match energy generation with school hours for maximum efficiency
  • Reduce operational costs through lower energy bills
  • Create practical learning opportunities about renewable energy
  • Lower carbon emissions supporting government climate goals
  • Build community engagement through environmental leadership
  • Provide long-term energy security with clean export guarantee options
  • Power diverters can maximise on-site usage during weekends
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Schools Photovoltaic Programme

Further Information

For further information about the Schools Photovoltaic Programme or to begin your application process, contact our dedicated schools team. We provide support throughout all phases of the solar for schools programme, from initial assessment to final installation.

Our experts understand the unique needs of educational infrastructure and work with schools nationwide to ensure successful implementation of this government initiative.

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