Special report: Solar could be light at end of the tunnel for energy needs

In Europe, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Greece are all among the top users of solar power while worldwide, China is being chased by Japan and the US. So why has Ireland been so slow to follow suit? asks Caroline O’Doherty

With fossil fuels designated environmental enemy number one and nuclear power a political impossibility, the search for clean and renewable sources of energy is intense.

Onshore wind has dominated the Irish response so far, but there is growing local objection to the proliferation of turbines across the landscape.