Rooftop Solar Panels Could Produce 24% Of Kildare’s Household Electricity

The research found that solar panels could produce enough electricity to power one in four Irish homes.

Rooftop solar panels could produce 24% of all Kildare’s household electricity, according to a study by MaREI, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, based in University College Cork (UCC).

The research found that some 60,791 homes in Kildare have space for ten solar panels (3.4KW), and homeowners could potentially reduce their electricity bills by €450 per year.

New research has shown the significant potential for Kildare from the use of rooftop solar panels, and it found that domestic rooftop solar panels could produce enough electricity to power one in four Irish Homes.

Commissioned by the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA), MaREI found that 60,791 homes in Kildare have roof space and orientation suitable for ten solar panels (3.4KW).

It found that if all suitable homes in the county were to avail of this opportunity it would fulfil 24% of the county’s residential electricity demand.

Nationwide there are overall a million homes that could accommodate ten solar panels, which has potential to meet 8% of the country’s renewable targets.

Paul Deane, Senior Research Fellow in clean energy futures with the MaREI Centre in UCC, commented: “Advances in solar technology and reductions in cost now make it a very attractive prospect for any homeowner.

"We don’t associate Ireland as a sunny country but there is sufficient sunlight shining on our Irish roofs to make a meaningful impact on electricity bills”

“Putting ten solar panels (3.4KW) on every suitable home in Ireland can reduce 135,000 tonnes of C02 emissions and help Ireland meet 8% of its Renewable Electricity Target.

"Six solar panels on every suitable home would generate enough electricity to power 22% of homes and reduce emissions by 95,000 tonnes.

"The research also shows that if every home was to maximise the potential of solar panels on every suitable home, it would provide some with savings of over €500 in electricity bills while delivering 19% of our renewable electricity target and producing 36% of all residential demand.

"Around 24,000 homes have already begun the transition to solar but there is much more potential for Ireland to generate significant amounts of solar energy," Deane added.

ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said: “A further exciting initiative commenced at the start of this month offers even greater benefits with homes finally compensated for unused solar energy that goes onto the national grid.

Previously, any unused energy went to waste, now it will travel the network, powering someone else’s home with the green energy your home generated. Homeowners will receive compensation for this under what is called the Microgeneration Support Scheme.

”Homeowners can also benefit from a substantial grant from SEAI for installing solar PV. These measures in combination are a great incentive for people to place solar panels on their roof and ensure they are included in Ireland’s decarbonisation journey.

“While these grants are an excellent support, investing in solar technology may be unattainable for people who are currently experiencing fuel poverty," he insisted.

"We believe the Government should introduce a means test and fully fund the installation of rooftop solar panels for people in fuel poverty. This would allow them to generate their own clean green power for decades to come and offer protection from volatile energy costs," he added.