Energy costs are continuing to skyrocket.

Now new research has revealed that more than 100,000 homes in Cork have space for ten solar panels, an addition that could help homeowners reduce their electricity bills by €450 per year.

The study by MaREI, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, based in University College Cork (UCC) found that domestic rooftop solar panels could produce enough electricity to power one in four Irish homes.

The study found that 111,803 homes in Cork have roof space and orientation suitable for ten solar panels (3.4KW). If all suitable homes in the county were to avail of this opportunity it would fulfill 22% of the county’s residential electricity demand.

Calls for Government to fund solar panel installation

“We don’t associate Ireland as a sunny country but there is sufficient sunlight shining on our Irish roofs to make a meaningful impact on electricity bills,” said Paul Deane, Senior Research Fellow.

“By analysing every rooftop in Ireland for the first time we can reveal the scale of the potential. Putting ten solar panels (3.4KW) on every suitable home in Ireland can reduce 135,000 tonnes of C02 emissions and help Ireland meet eight percent of its Renewable Electricity Target. Six solar panels on every suitable home would generate enough electricity to power 22% of homes and reduce emissions by 95,000 tonnes.”

While homeowners can also benefit from a substantial grant from SEAI for installing solar PV, investing in solar technology is likely to be unattainable for people who are currently experiencing fuel poverty.

“We believe the Government should introduce a means test and fully fund the installation of rooftop solar panels for people in fuel poverty,” added ISEA CEO Conall Bolger.

“This would allow them to generate their own clean green power for decades to come and offer protection from volatile energy costs.”