Solar energy in Ireland

TLDR: In Ireland, the potential use of solar energy in Ireland began shortly after the oil crisis of 1973-74 as discussed by the authors, and various EEC programmes were joined, and national programmes established.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS Consideration of the potential use of solar energy in Ireland began shortly after the oil crisis of 1973–74. Subsequently, various EEC programmes were joined, and national programmes established. In solar thermal energy, work has been ongoing involving collector testing, computer modelling, pilot test facilities, and performance monitoring. Individual projects have included ones connected with absorption cooling systems, ultra-high absorptivity spectral selective surfaces, and demonstration of active air and liquid collector systems including heat pumps, as well as passive systems, in real houses. In the solar photovoltaic area, Ireland houses one of the EEC pilot facilities—a 50 kW,-peak plant running a dairy, where the load is well matched to the supply. National programmes exist in wind energy, biomass, and small-scale hydropower. Wind energy converters are generating electricity or providing mechanical energy for draining land or for water heating. Some research work has been pursued in wave ...