Renewable energy programme: A small step to solar power

Ireland, it’s fair to say, has not been one of Europe’s pioneers in the shift to solar power. Enthusiasm has been low-level, perhaps because our land — this spectacular summer apart — is not normally notably sun-drenched.

The volatile economics of the growing solar power market, along with arguments across Europe about the role of subsidies, have chilled attitudes to investment, not only in Ireland but also in those parts of Europe with markedly sunnier climates.