Irish Examiner view: Energy savings — let the sunshine in

Solar potential

'Do we have the industrial capacity to produce the number of solar panels that would be needed and, if not, how will that be overcome?'

At first glance, the case for converting hundreds of thousands of Irish homes and covering them with solar panels seems so overwhelming as to be a ‘no-brainer’. 

Electricity bills being reduced by €450 per year? The potential to supply 25% of Ireland’s household electricity needs? Meeting at least 8% of the country’s renewable energy targets, and possibly more? Eliminating 135,000 tonnes of carbon emissions without the need to give a cow a stern look?