A new report has found that deploying solar PV technology to power Irish homes and businesses could support up to 7,300 new jobs.
Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a technology for conversion of solar energy to electricity via the use of semiconducting materials.
The photovoltaic effect is an electrochemical process that takes place when solar light comes into contact with a semiconductor, resulting in atoms being ionised and generating direct current electricity.
‘A Brighter Future – the Potential Benefits of Solar Photovoltaics in Ireland’ by KPMG in association with the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA).
The reports states that a decrease of 80% in the costs of solar between 2008 and 2013 means solar PV is now affordable renewable energy technology in Ireland and is forecast to become the cheapest electricity generating technology over the coming decades.
Solar PV can be built and put into operation quickly, giving Ireland a better chance of meeting the target to source 40% of electricity from renewables by 2020 and avoiding potential significant fines under UN targets on climate change, expected to be introduced at next month’s COP21 conference in Paris.
Commenting on the report, Mike Hayes, partner and head of Energy and Natural Resources at KPMG said: “There are a wide range of potential benefits to the Irish economy if a policy support scheme for Solar PV was introduced. We know that for every €1 of policy support, the solar industry in Ireland would deliver €3 of gross value added to the economy over the 2017 to 2030 period.”
David Maguire, chairman, Irish Solar Energy Association, said: “The report outlines a variety of support mechanisms which the Government could use for both rooftop and large scale ground mount deployment – all of which would ensure value for money for Irish energy consumers and taxpayers. Furthermore, because Ireland is one of the last countries in Europe to support solar PV, we have a late mover advantage that gives us the opportunity to learn from the experience of other countries and deploy solar in a sustainable manner that delivers best value to the Irish citizen.”