Solar Energy in Ireland – A Position Paper
Lisandra Meneses *
Good Energies Alliance Ireland, Druminalass, Ballinaglera, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Solar energy has the potential to become a significant energy source in the Republic of Ireland. This paper presents arguments against and for solar energy with focus on planning, community benefits, environmental impacts and intermittency.
Ireland’s 2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target is a 20% reduction in non-emission trading scheme (ETS) emissions compared to 2005 levels. However the deployment of solar energy will require citizens’ engagement and the government needs to play greater role in the transition to a low carbon future.
The paper presents a position regarding solar energy development in the Republic of Ireland, supported with several study cases.
Keywords: Republic of Ireland, renewable energy, solar energy, solar electricity, solar heat, photovoltaic