Scoil Bhride harnesses the sun's energy

Scoil Bhride principal Sarah Fitzpatrick with contractor Darren Fanning, and the school's Mark Murphy and Joe Kennedy.

Fourteen solar panels were installed this week at Scoil Bhride under the Schools Photovoltaic Programme, writes Brian Byrne. It's the first phase of a planned 36-panel installation which could cut the school's electricity bill by up to a quarter.

The contractor for the installation is Kilkenny-based Fanning Electrical and Solar, selected after a rigorous tender process carried out by Scoil Bhride teacher Mark Murphy, who leads the Green Schools programme, and caretaker Joe Kennedy.

The state SPP initiative fully funds the initial installation to a maximum of 14 panels. Phase 2 is being funded by the school itself along with SEAI grants. It's estimated that this investment will be paid for by electricity bill savings within two years. The installation includes a 32-inch monitor in the school which shows solar electricity generation and electricity use in real time. Foreseeing a future scenario when excess electricity storage will be possible, the system as installed is battery-ready.

The first installation.

This is the latest in a range of strategies towards making Scoil Bhride more energy efficient and reducing its environmental impact. These include gradual replacement of the lighting units to LEDs, and the very successful use of 'grey water' recovered from rain on the roof for flushing toilets. Green waste from grass clippings and brown leaves is composted on site. A 'power down' day also proved very successful when the whole school reverted to 'chalk and talk' teaching stations and outdoor-based activities. An 'outdoor classroom' has also been installed.

Scoil Bhride pupils work regularly with Kilcullen Tidy Towns on litter picking in the community, in addition to daily litter clean-ups on the school grounds.

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