West Cork island to lead the way in energy efficiency with new solar-powered homes

Housing association to develop six solar-powered homes on Sherkin Island which will allow tenants to become self-sufficient in energy use

Carbery Housing Association is to develop six solar-powered homes, in conjunction with Cork County Council, on Sherkin Island.

A voluntary housing association hopes to turn an island off the South-West coast into one of the most energy-efficient in the world, kickstarting this with the construction of six new solar-powered homes which should produce enough electricity to make their tenants energy self-sufficient.

Carbery Housing Association (CHA) is to develop six solar-powered homes, in conjunction with Cork County Council, on Sherkin Island. The association hopes it may be able to generate enough energy not only to power their homes themselves but also other homes on the island and even have some electricity left over to sell to the national grid.