'I save money using solar energy in my home. I wish every family in Ireland could'

A new survey on solar energy shines a light on a still misunderstood renewable, writes Kya deLongchamps

Solar PV has high upfront costs but SEAI-managed grant aid remains relatively high at €2,100, with an increasingly short payback time for these systems, writes Kya deLongchamps. File pictures

As a wildly enthusiastic (probably slight annoying), early adopter of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels, I developed some loose assumptions regarding the technology as being mainstream and well understood by most householders. But a recent market survey reveals the need for further information on access to this standalone, energy improvement, and to fairly promote its proven performance in Irish conditions.

While direct sunshine does generate more electricity, Ireland is actually considered to be located in 'Goldilocks' zone for solar energy.