The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has called on Dublin to introduce a new subsidy support scheme for the technology.
ISEA said today that 7300 “high value” jobs could be created by the sector which would also help avoid EU fines for potentially missing renewable electricity targets.
It estimated that in recent weeks a 2GW solar industry would have met up to 7% of Ireland’s electricity needs.
At present there is no support mechanism for the technology in Ireland.
ISEA chairman David Maguire said: “It is clear the country is facing a real challenge to meet these targets and avoid significant fines. Despite the successful deployment of wind energy in Ireland, which enjoyed considerable state support, wind alone will not ensure that we reach that goal.
“However solar, which is a material part of the established solution for other countries in Europe, is still in its embryonic state here. We are ready to deploy immediately and just need a support mechanism similar to that afforded to other technologies in order to kick-start the sector.”
Image: MorgueFile
