Madam, - From sunny summer Melbourne comes Fergus McCarthy's suggestion (December 6th) that I am a "tad optimistic" in promoting use of solar energy in Ireland. His letter, while written with a light touch, perpetuates the myth that solar panels do not work in cloudy Ireland.
Wrong. The proven fact is that even in our dampest spots a basic solar system can supply 60 per cent or more of a dwelling's annual hot water requirements.
It this were not so, Sustainable Energy Ireland would not be providing grants for individual-house installations based on €300 per square metre of solar collector, to a maximum of €3,600.
Since the Greener Homes scheme was introduced in March this year, I understand the take-up has been very encouraging and in the Budget the ongoing allocation to the scheme was increased by €20 million. - Yours, etc,
KENNETH JONES,
Kilmacanogue,
Co Wicklow.