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Donegal couple opt for solar energy
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The decision by a Drumkeen couple to install solar panels in their home is hopefully an example to other householders and should be seen as a patriotic move.
Published in the Finn Valley Voice newspaper on 9th August 2006.
The decision by a Drumkeen couple to install solar panels in their home is hopefully an example to other householders and should be seen as a patriotic move.
Ireland faces multi-million euro penalties in 2011 for our failure to meet the emission requirements of the Kyoto protocol. Our production of greenhouse gases is way over the agreed limit, and home heating is almost as much a factor in the rise as motoring and industry.
Solar panels of themselves will not eliminate fossil fuel use, but they will greatly reduce it. As the technology improves, and in tandem with improved house design and better insulation, they could haul us below the penalty level.
Wind power has already reduced emissions for Donegal county and it is likely that wave power will come on train before the end of the decade.
Marie and Michael Gallagher had been interested in getting solar panels for a while, and when grants were introduced this year they made up their minds to find out more about them. The Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) website is where they got all the information they needed for all types of alternative energy including solar panels, geothermal and wind turbines.
"The grant for an installation like our is 1200 euros and this is payable by SEI once approved and the project completed. The total cost of the project is around 5000 euros. To be awarded the grant the equipment and company used have to be approved by SEI", explained Mr. Gallagher.
The Gallaghers contacted a few companies and eventually gave the businsess to Genersys Ireland Ltd from Rostrevor is County Down. Their website is well laid out and has a lot of information for anyone interested in solar panels. The contact there is the owner David Cooper at dcooper@genersys-ireland.com.
The installation took 2 days which involved fitting a new dual coil insulated 200 litre hot water cylinder, mounting 2 solar panels on the back roof of the house, and connecting the panels to the cylinder with some new pipework.
A simple controller monitors everything automatically and the whole installtion was very neatly done.
"The back of our house faces south east and sunlight hits the rear of the house from early morning until after 5pm. Since having them installed, the solar panels have provided most of the hot water for the house and we are pleased with both the system and also the professional way that Genersys Ireland Ltd kept in contact with us from when we made the first enquiry to after having their installed", he concluded.
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