Kerry County Council is to ask the government to examine the possibility of offering an interest free loan to all householders to install solar PV panels on the roof of their dwellings and battery storage in their house to reduce reliance on the national grid.
While many of the reasons for the energy crisis are external and beyond control, it is imperative that people in this country looks at what they can control themselves, said Cllr John O’Donoghue who proposed the move.
“One of the major fears people have facing into this winter are energy blackouts. With the diminished energy supply coming from eastern Europe at the moment, the simple truth is that our national grid may not be able to cope with demand, particularly during peak hours,” he said.
There is currently an excellent grant available through the SEAI to carry out such work but even with the grant, it is still beyond the reach of many, Cllr O’Donoghue added.
“I believe the introduction of an interest free loan for the work, which should include the installation of battery storage, would be a serious statement of intent from the government of their desire to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and a strong indication of our commitment to combating climate change,” he stated.
The introduction of the scheme would benefit our country for years to come, long after the energy crisis has abated, he maintained.
“Personally, I feel it is a win-win situation for both the government who would see reliance on the national grid greatly reduced, at no long term cost to exchequer, and for homeowners who could generate, store and use their own energy, thereby reducing their bills,” Cllr O’Donoghue stressed.
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