School Solar Panel Installation – “€1,500 Saved P/Y”

Location

Galway

System size

5.88kWp

Solar Panels

Background

Francis O’Connor is the principal of Kilchreest National School, a rural primary school nestled at the foothills of the Slieve Ochty Mountains.

Opened in 1981 and now with approximately 110 pupils, the school emphasises environmental education, complete with their own school garden.

School Solar Panel Installation Video Preview Image of Francis in front of Kilchreest National School speaking about his school's solar install.

"We’re very aware of sustainability, and the importance of it, and making the children aware of it."
- Francis O'Connor, School Solar Installation Customer

The picturesque setting provides a great backdrop for their sustainability initiatives, which, after guidance from the Department of Education, has recently expanded to include solar energy.

The Challenge

The schools sector has ambitious climate action targets and, like many educational institutions across Ireland, this rural school faced significant energy cost increases over the years that were straining their budget.

Several key challenges were identified as part of this sustainability project.

School Solar Panel Installation Ariel View Image showing Kilchreest National School with the countryside in the background.

"Energy costs have increased over the last number of years…it was having a huge drain on our budget."
- Francis O'Connor, School Solar Installation Customer

The school needed to:

Reduce rising electricity bills that were diverting funds from educational resources.
Identify a trusted solar partner that could not only complete the installation with minimal disruption to school operations but also provide long term support.
Leverage grants and government supports effectively (incl. the Solar for Schools Programme).
Deliver on their sustainability goals.
Ensure safety during and after the install.

Kilchreest National School identified Ohk energy as the ideal partner to tackle these challenges.

School Solar Panel Installation Image showing 14 solar panels installed by Ohk energy on a school roof.

The Solar Solution

After assessing the school’s needs and its configuration, Ohk energy designed and completed a bespoke school solar panel installation.

"So neat and tidy, the workers that were here were in and out in 2 days... It was great working with all the team."
- Francis O'Connor, School Solar Installation Customer

This installation included:

14 high-performance solar panels mounted on the school’s roof.
High efficiency 5kW Huawei inverter.
Additional system components (isolators, earth rod, cable protection, etc.) required to ensure compliance and deliver our market leading installation standards.
In-school display and energy monitoring app.
Grid connection setup enabling the school to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Extensive product and workmanship warranties.
Grant application support.
Minimal disruption to school operations (installed during holiday period).

School Solar Panel Installation Solutions Image showing several pictures including solar panels being installed on the school, components of the solar system and solar panels installed on the roof of the school.

"It was quite an easy process for us from start to finish…It’s been so seamless."
- Francis O'Connor, School Solar Installation Customer

The Results

The results from this school solar panel installation include:

A considerable reduction in energy bills.
Increased financial resources for educational initiatives.
Reduced impact from electricity price volatility.
Demonstrable values and assets for environmental education (e.g., TV displays energy generation).
A more sustainable school.

"The 14 panels installed has made a huge difference to our ESB bills…Annual savings of about €1,500"
- Francis O'Connor, School Solar Installation Customer

Speaking about the savings, Francis notes that “€1,500 in our bank account is always welcome, we can put it to good use.” The savings could contribute to a sensory garden, or other initiatives in the school, Francis explained.

And speaking about the overall results, including sustainability, Francis continues: “It’s nice that we’re actually contributing and it has been cost effective for the school as well.”

Image of a Kilchreest school poster encouraging students to be kind to the environment.

Why Ohk energy?

Ohk energy is Ireland’s largest and most trusted solar panel installer.

We partner with our customers to deliver optimal sustainability solutions for their needs.

Together with our clients, we’re building a brighter future for generations to come.

Asked if he’d recommend Ohk energy, Francis said:

"Absolutely, yeah…Couldn’t recommend them highly enough…I’d be very happy to endorse them as a company for any school."
- Francis O'Connor, School Solar Installation Customer

Learn more about our Solar Panels for Schools solution.

School Solar Panel Installation – “So Seamless”