Ours To Protect with John Morley (EP 37)

Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.

Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks to Ronan O’Conghaile, an engineer who manufactures Carbon Neutrality Focused ISO certified solar panels about the benefits of solar panels.

 

Did you know…

• There are grants available to install solar panels in your home?
• While Galway is not known for its scorching weather, it gets a consistent level of sunshine, making solar energy a viable option?
• Modern solar panels are built to withstand Galway’s weather? Even on cloudy days solar panels will be able to efficiently generate electricity.

Why is it important to support solar energy?

• Ireland has ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and solar energy can play a significant role in achieving these.
• Solar panels can not only be placed on roofs of houses, but on unused land as well. This could potentially bring economic benefits to rural areas.
• Ireland is in a privileged position when it comes to natural resources, so it is important to support harnessing these resources in any way we can.

What can I do to help support solar energy?

• Install solar panels in your own home and avail of a grant from the SEAI to help offset the cost.
• Look for businesses that use solar energy to power their operations and prioritise them when making purchasing decisions.
• Invest in a community solar project. These projects allow individuals to invest in larger solar instillation and receive credits on their electricity bills.

Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!

SEAI’s Solar Energy Section

https://www.seai.ie/technologies/solar-energy/

Irish Solar Energy Association

https://www.irishsolarenergy.org/

Friends of the Earth Ireland – Solar Schools

https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/power-to-the-people/solar-schools

For more info go over to galwaybayfm.ie, click on Our to Protect image on home page. You could try out the  ‘Ecological Footprint’ calculator and you can take a quick survey.

‘Ours To Protect’ brought to you by Galway Bay fm, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee – check out ‘ours to protect.ie for more info.