Church schools are investing in solar panels and lighting systems which could see them save as much as €112,000 a year each.

Thirteen schools will install PV panels while three will also install “intelligent” lighting.

“The Private Schools Association has embarked on the Green Energy Schools Project in order to lead by example in environmental awareness.

Being in the profession of education, it is hoped that this will have a catalyst effect on students and their families.

The students will have the opportunity to see the electricity production on a screen in the classroom corridors,” said Fr David Cilia.

Half the project is financed by the European Regional Development Funds and national funds, while the remaining half is directly financed by the 13 schools.

The project was entrusted to Electrofixenergy after a public tender and will be completed within 12 weeks.

So far works have commenced on the Archbishop’s Seminary, Rabat, St Dominic Savio College, Dingli, St Aloysius College, Birkirkara, Sacred Heart Convent School, St Julians, St Michael School, Sta Venera, St Augustine School, Pietà and St Elias College, Sta Venera. The other participating schools are: St Paul’s Missionary College, Rabat, St Elizabeth School, Sliema, St Francis School, Cospicua, St Albert the Great College, Valletta, Conservatorio Primary School, Victoria, and Conservatorio Secondary School, Victoria.

“In total the schools will produce 622,200kilowatt hours of green energy and save 25.7 MWH annually from intelligent lighting systems resulting in the reduction of 554 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

“Additionally, each year they will save €111,996 on their electricity bills. We are incredibly proud to be part of this project,” Debbie Schembri, director at ElectroFix, said.

For more information, visit www.greenenergyschools.webs.com