Northern Irish primary school goes solar

A Northern Irish school is set to save £800 a year after installing solar panels on its roof.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provided the funds for solar photovoltaic panels to be installed on the south-facing root of Cooley Primary School in Sixmilecross. The panels will produce an estimated 8,000 units of electricity every year, saving the school hundreds of pounds in energy bills.

The scheme is being supported by Northern Ireland Electricity’s (NIE) Smart programme. It is hoped that by being able to see renewable energy in action, the school’s pupils will be inspired to think about the environmental impact of their actions.

Claire Carson of NIE said of the scheme: “Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies have the potential to substantially reduce the amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted, helping to prevent climate change.

“This 10kWp system will substantially reduce the carbon dioxide emitted into the local environment by around five tonnes.

“In recent years schools have become enthusiastic adopters of renewable energy, demonstrating a range of sustainable energy solutions such as solar, wind, biomass and geothermal. We look forward to continuing our work with the Education Boards to promote renewable energy alternatives in schools throughout Northern Ireland.”

The instalment is part of a £1.3 million investment to provide Northern Ireland’s rural schools with renewable energy.