The scheme will fund up to 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels. Connection to the grid will be included, to allow unused solar energy to feed to the grid when schools are closed. This will enable schools to be compensated for renewable energy exports to the grid.
Revenue generation: solar PV will generate a steady income stream for schools over a 20 year period. Most schools are able to accommodate a 25kWp solar PV system. This could generate an annual income of £3,435 at current tariff rates – see Ofgem FIT website for up to date tariffs.
The provision of up to 6 kWp photovoltaic (PV) panels to schools, to be funded from the Climate Action Fund at the discretion of the Minister for the Environment, was announced in September 2022.
This programme is the Schools Photovoltaic Programme (SPP) and it will be a multi-annual programme. The SPP is a devolved programme. This means that school authorities will be provided with funding from the Department to have PV panels installed by a registered contractor, with guidance from the Department.
Two of the main ways solar energy can help schools become greener and more energy efficient are solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal systems. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, use photovoltaic cells. These cells, when hit by sunlight, induce the flow of electrons, which generates a direct current of electricity, also known as DC.
Schools can actively engage students in solar projects by organising practical workshops in which students help to plan, install, and maintain a solar energy system. This can help to instil a sense of ownership and pride around sustainability and the practices that come with being sustainable.
