Firms call for taxpayer support to allow solar energy its chance to shine

Solar energy firms are seeking state subsidies of €25m per year to kickstart power generation on a mass scale using the sun’s rays.

The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) says the money would enable 70,000 households and 2,200 businesses produce their own power and generate 7% of national electricity needs within six years, while providing 7,300 jobs in the process.

According to the association, the financial supports sought would add €19 to the average household’s electricity bill each year, far less than the €60 state levy currently added annually to domestic electricity bills, mainly to support wind and peat energy.