27,644 homes in Waterford have roof space and orientation that is suitable for ten solar panels, according to new research.
A study by MaREI based in University College Cork found that domestic rooftop solar panels could produce enough electricity to power one in four homes.
If people in Waterford were to make the switch to solar energy, they could save up to €450 per year, while also helping to meet the country's residential electricity demand.
In the past, any energy that your home produced and did not use was wasted but now it will travel through the network and power someone else's home. If this happens, you will receive compensation under the Microgeneration Support Scheme.
Paul Deane is a Senior Research Fellow in Clean Energy Futures with the MaREI Centre. He says that the advances in solar technology and reductions in cost make it attractive to homeowners.
“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,” he said.
Nationally, over one million homes could accommodate ten solar panels which could allow Ireland to meet 8% of our renewable energy targets. Co2 emissions would be reduced by 135,000 tonnes.
Six solar panels on every suitable home would reduce emissions by 95,000 tonnes and generate enough electricity to power 22% of homes.
If all suitable homes were to avail of solar energy, 23% of the country's residential electricity demands would be met.
MaREI is the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Energy, Climate, and Marine. Their study was commissioned by the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA).
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