The first phase of a programme to reduce the energy bills of schools got under way last Wednesday with the signing of a contract with Kingston-based company Cala Telecom Services.

The company is to carry out a feasibility study on the introduction of solar energy systems in 34 public schools across the island.

The project is being funded by a €100,000 grant from the Government of Spain.

Addressing the grant-signing ceremony at the Education Ministry in Kingston, portfolio minister Andrew Holness welcomed the project. He said it would provide a viable alternative to carbon-based energy and help in the thrust to reduce the cost of electricity to schools.

He said as soon as the study is finished, the findings will be implemented as part of a drive to have all schools use some form of alternative energy.

Minister of Energy and Mining James Robertson commended the project as a major step towards the use of solar energy as an alternative power source. He noted that solar energy was best suited for educational institutions, as schools use most energy in the day.

Feasibility study

The feasibility study to be undertaken will gather information on electricity and water consumption by schools to determine the actual electricity consumption of selected schools; carry out structural building analyses to identify and assess the most suitable areas for the installation of solar-energy systems in schools; and analyse solar energy systems to determine the best structure for each school.

It will also include economic and financial analyses and calculation of the initial cost of the investment of each solar system; the return on investment for a maximum of 15 years; and the annual saving on the electricity bill by the introduction of solar energy systems.