The Irish government announced last week that from today around 1,600 schools in Ireland can apply to install 16 solar panels on their roofs, equivalent to 6kW of solar power.

The Department for Education, which is leading the programme, said the programme, called the Solar for Schools programme, aims to enable Ireland to meet its climate targets and help schools reduce their energy bills.

The Irish government said the panels at the school will be connected to the grid and can share energy with neighbors during closures such as school holidays.

The school expects to save approximately €1,200 to €1,600 ($1,311 to $1,748) per year through the program, with the first phase of the project due to be completed by the end of May.