• Restrictions lifted on Solar Panels
    The government has lifted many of the restrictions pertaining to the installation of Solar Panels for domestic and other buildings, however, there are still some exceptions for property near emergency services and airports. According to the recent article in the Irish Independent “Solar panel restrictions lifted as property owners now free to install as many as they like“,  these new rules by planning minister Peter Burke TD and are expected to be signed off next week. It will mean that current restrictions on the number of panels changes so the requirement for planning permission for more than 12 sq. meters […]
  • solar floating
    The future of solar power
    Everyone agrees that the world needs to shift to renewable energy, and fast! The targets that world governments have been set for 2050 through the Paris Accord and other commitments are very ambitious and technology will play a key part in achieving those objectives. In this piece, we look at some of the advances we can expect and some that may be a little longer to be deployed. What needs to happen? Long duration energy storage: Renewable energy be it wind, solar or another source is unreliable due to the variable supply so it is essential that excess energy can […]
  • energy prices ireland
    How to offset the increase in energy prices in Ireland
    Even before Russia invaded Ukraine (February 28th, 2022) energy prices were on the rise in Ireland and uncertainty about the energy market has been with us since mid-2021. According to Tánaiste Simon Coveney, speaking recently on Newstalk (early April 2022) “the price of energy was going to be unpredictable in the months ahead because of the war in Ukraine.” However, the uncertainty about the length of the war has only exacerbated this. To counter these upward price movements, Minister Eamon Ryan has said that the Irish government has a a plan to alleviate the increases starting with a credit. He […]
  • SEAI Grant
    Solar PV and EV Grants – What grants are available in Ireland, how much and how do I apply?
    Solar PV and EV Grants  What grants are available in Ireland, how much and how do I apply? Electric Vehicles What is available? A private EV owner can apply for a grant of up to €600 against the cost of installing a home charger. The scheme is run by the Government through the SEAI. Are there conditions attached? There are some conditions but none too onerous. We can help you through the process if you have any concerns about it. The main eligibility criteria are that: – You must have bought the vehicle after January 1st 2018 – You must […]
  • How to use the power of the sun to charge your electric vehicle (EV).
    We know that electric vehicles (EVs) are environmentally friendly because pure electric vehicles produce no exhaust emissions that harm the atmosphere. However, to charge your EV, the electricity must be generated from somewhere and as recently as 2019, 87% of Irelands power generated from the national grid was from Fossil fuels. This means that ultimately, charging your EV was depending on Fossil Fuel consumption in some way. An alternative solution is to charge your EV from the power generated from your own Solar Panels. This is achievable, (even in Ireland!) and it is both environmentally friendly and cost efficient. How […]