This is a subscriber-only article
Three hundred people turned up to the event which attempted to educate farmers on the benefit and drawbacks of installing solar energy on their agricultural land.
With issues to be discussed including tax, legalities of installing these projects and the current make up of solar industry in Ireland presently, the conference highlighted and explained the various aspects of this area.
Speakers included IFAC, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, ESB and Kennedy Solicitors. James Murphy the Renewable Energy spokesman of the IFA believes the solar conference was a major success.
We are delighted with the day and the turn out. People have been taken the message on board, they came for information, they are very happy with it.
While a message of encouragement to farmers to look into diversifying into solar energy was highlighted, Murphy warned that caution must be applied to ensure a farmer does not lose out.
“Consult and be brave. If you believe you have a site that is suitable and you have not been approached by a developer, look for a list of developers and engage with them. If you are doing this, make sure you have good solid advice, particularly senior legal advice,” he said
“Take control of your own destiny and engage,” he continued.
Listen to participants to the solar conference in our podcast below:
The conference was divided into three sessions, with session one discussing grid connection and solar potential. Session two dealt with legal and tax implications and session three discussed community participation in renewable.
Current solar outlook for Ireland
While Ireland remains one of Europe’s smallest providers of solar energy, it is on the rise here.
Brian Denvir of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland highlighted the fact that though Ireland is over half way to meeting its renewable target for 2020, it still has a long way to go.
“Solar PV can make a contribution to meeting Ireland's renewable electricity target. The current contribution is small, but the landscape is changing due to cost and political landscape,” he said.
While cost has decreased for installing solar panels in recent years, the political recognition and policy outlook has fuelled the recent increase in demand for solar energy.
Bob Hanna, chief technical advisor at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, encouraged those in attendance to support the government in the coming months and years to ensure their current policies on solar and renewable energy will be fulfilled.
James Murphy concluded the meeting by thanking the gathering and admitting further meeting should be arranged.
SHARING OPTIONS: