Farmers take a shine to solar energy, but IFA urges caution

The prospect of a financial return from the land without the slog and uncertainty of traditional agriculture sounds attractive, so solar energy companies haven’t had to shout too loudly to get farmers’ attention.

“There has been a phenomenal amount of engagement with farmers and landowners over the last 12 months,” says James Murphy, chairman of the Irish Farmers Association’s (IFA) renewables project team, who believes more than 6,000 acres are under some form of solar contract.

“There is a real income crisis across the sector, particularly in dry stock and grain, so an alternative like a renewable energy project will get looked at.”