Sir, – Gerard Wrixon (October 8th) quite rightly brings attention to the scarcity of solar energy collectors in Ireland.
Many people seem to think Ireland is too far north to gain from solar power. Not true! A year ago, I installed a 4kw panel on my roof, expecting to generate 3,000 kwh electricity a year.
It has outperformed that forecast by 22 per cent. In the process, it saved the country almost two tonnes of carbon emissions.
It also powers an electric car, so less petrol pollution.
If it was supposed to do nothing but heat water, I could have received a grant towards the cost. It does heat the water, but also does so much more, therefore by some strange perverse logic, no grant is available! I have not used any gas for inefficient water heating from May to October, making another saving of carbon.
Much of the surplus energy goes into the grid for other consumers, yet I am still required to pay the public service obligation (PSO) levy to subsidise the ESB.
To add to the insult, my supplier now increases the standing charge in summer months because I am not buying any electricity from them.
Congratulations are due to Tipperary. County Council for the foresight to install on its premises the largest solar array yet in Ireland. I’m sure it will find, as I do, this is the best investment it could make. Other counties and government offices, please take note.
Ireland is struggling to meet our target reduction of carbon emissions and will face heavy EU fines for failure. Surely it would pay well to support many thousands of small productive installations like mine rather than forfeit the money to pay these fines.
So, Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly, you know what to do. – Yours, etc,
DENIS LEONARD
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.