Shankill Crèche – Croí na Coille (Naíonra Seanchill) Goes Solar with VEEP Energy

Investing in a Greener Future for Children

At VEEP Energy, we are proud to support schools, crèches, and educational facilities across Ireland in reducing costs and improving sustainability through high-quality solar PV installations.

One of our recent projects was the successful installation of a 9kWp rooftop solar PV system at Croí na Coille, Naíonra Seanchill (Shankill Crèche). This project demonstrates how educational facilities can take control of rising electricity costs while making a positive environmental impact for future generations.

For schools and childcare facilities, power is needed every day to run lighting, heating controls, kitchen equipment, computers, water heating systems, and other essential services. By generating clean electricity directly from sunlight, the crèche can now decrease its reliance on grid electricity and enjoy long-term financial savings.

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The Project at a Glance

VEEP Energy designed and delivered a complete turn-key solar PV solution, managing every stage of the project from planning and permissions through to installation, commissioning, grid connection, and customer training.

Installed System

• 9kWp Rooftop Solar PV System
• 22 x 410Wp High-Power Monocrystalline Solar Panels
• Single Phase Inverter
• Huawei 5kW Battery Storage System
• Eddi Smart Hot Water Diverter
• Roof mounting and electrical infrastructure
• Grid connection and permissions management
• Full certification and commissioning

The system was carefully designed to maximise solar generation while fitting seamlessly onto the existing roof structure of the crèche.

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Before and After Installation

The transformation of the roof clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of modern solar technology.

Before Installation

The roof space was unused and relying entirely on electricity supplied from the national grid.

After Installation

The roof now hosts 22 high-efficiency solar panels, transforming available roof space into a renewable energy-generating asset that will provide clean electricity for decades.

The installation was completed with minimal disruption to the daily operation of the facility, ensuring a safe environment for staff, children, and visitors throughout the project.

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How Much Energy Will the System Produce?

The new system is expected to generate approximately:

8,100 kWh of Clean Electricity Every Year

To put this into perspective, this is enough to significantly offset the daytime electricity consumption of the crèche, especially during busy operating hours when solar generation and demand are aligned.

Because schools and childcare facilities typically consume the majority of their electricity during daylight hours, solar PV is often one of the most beneficial investments they can pursue.

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Battery Storage Makes the Difference

A key feature of this installation is the inclusion of a Huawei 5kW battery storage system.

Many businesses and schools without battery storage send excess electricity back to the grid when solar production surpasses demand.

The battery allows Croí na Coille to:

– Store surplus energy generated during the day

– Use stored energy later when solar production decreases

– Reduce electricity purchases from the grid

– Increase overall self-consumption of solar power

– Improve long-term financial returns

This means more of the electricity produced on-site stays on-site.

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Environmental Impact

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for schools and educational organisations.

The solar PV installation at Croí na Coille is expected to offset approximately:

3,176 kg of CO₂ Every Year

Over the lifetime of the system, this represents a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, supporting Ireland’s transition towards cleaner energy and helping create a more sustainable future for the next generation.

For a childcare facility, this is more than just an energy upgrade. It is a visible commitment to environmental responsibility and climate awareness.

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Financial Benefits

One of the primary motivations for schools and commercial organisations investing in solar is the chance to significantly reduce their bills.

Estimated Annual Savings

€2,318 per year

Based on:

• Electricity self-consumption valued at 32.4c/kWh
• Exported electricity valued at 13.5c/kWh

Estimated Total Savings Over 25 Years – €57,850

Investment Payback Period – Approximately 8.7 Years

After the system has paid for itself, the electricity generated continues to provide substantial savings for many years to come.

For educational facilities working with fixed annual budgets, these savings can be redirected towards resources, services, and improvements that directly benefit students and staff.

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More Than an Installation – A Complete Turn-Key Service

At VEEP Energy, we believe that switching to solar should be simple and stress-free.

For the Croí na Coille project, our team managed every aspect of the installation process, including:

Planning & Project Management

• Site assessment and system design
• Planning permission management
• ESB Networks applications and approvals
• Grid connection coordination

Health & Safety

Prior to installation, VEEP Energy prepared:

• Risk Assessments (RAMS)
• Method Statements
• Health & Safety Documentation

Our Lead Project Manager and Lead Engineer conducted on-site inductions, established exclusion zones, created marshalling areas, and installed all required safety signage before work commenced.

Installation & Commissioning

Our experienced engineers completed the installation efficiently and professionally while maintaining a clean and organised worksite throughout the project.

All waste and excess materials were responsibly removed and recycled wherever possible.

Following installation, the system underwent comprehensive testing and commissioning to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.

Customer Training & Ongoing Support

Upon completion, VEEP Energy provided:

• System testing and verification
• Grid connection support
• User training
• Operations and Maintenance guidance
• Comprehensive handover documentation

To provide additional peace of mind, the project includes:

• 5-Year Labour Warranty
• 2-Year Comprehensive Operations & Maintenance Warranty
• Optional 5-Year Extended O&M Contract

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Why Solar Makes Sense for Schools and Childcare Facilities

Schools, crèches, preschools, and educational centres typically consume most of their electricity during daylight hours, making them ideal candidates for solar PV systems.

Benefits include:

–  Lower electricity bills

– Protection against future energy price increases

 – Reduced carbon footprint

–  Long-term financial savings

–  Greater energy independence

–  Demonstration of environmental leadership

 – Educational opportunities around sustainability

With solar panels designed to last 25 years and beyond, educational facilities can enjoy decades of clean, renewable power.

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Thinking About Solar for Your School or Business?

The successful installation at Croí na Coille, Naíonra Seanchill highlights how organisations of all sizes can benefit from solar technology.

Whether you operate a school, crèche, community facility, commercial building, or business premises, VEEP Energy provides a complete end-to-end solution, from initial consultation and design through to installation, commissioning, and ongoing support.