Tag: #solar

The Technology Behind Solar Batteries

As the world continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, the need for more sustainable energy solutions has never been more apparent. Among these, solar energy stands out as one of the most abundant and accessible resources available. However, the intermittent nature of solar power—dependent on the availability of sunlight—poses a significant challenge for its widespread adoption. This is where solar batteries come into play, acting as a crucial bridge between energy generation and consumption.

Solar batteries like you see on Midland Batteries, enable homeowners and businesses to store excess energy generated during sunny days for use during periods of low sunlight or high demand. And in recent years, technological advancements in solar batteries have transformed them from simple storage solutions into sophisticated systems that optimise energy usage, improve efficiency, and integrate seamlessly with smart home technologies and grid systems.

In this article, we will examine the technologies behind solar batteries, their working principles, and the cutting-edge features that boost their efficiency and performance.

Key Technologies in Solar Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are currently the most widely used technology in residential solar energy storage. Their popularity can be attributed to several key advantages. 

Firstly, they boast a high energy density, which means that they can store a large amount of energy relative to their size, making them ideal for home installations where space may be limited. 

Secondly, these batteries have a long cycle life. With proper management, lithium-ion batteries can last between 10 to 15 years, providing reliable service throughout their lifecycle. 

What’s more, these batteries offer remarkable efficiency, with charge and discharge rates exceeding 95%, ensuring minimal energy loss.

Recent innovations in lithium-ion technology include improvements in battery chemistry that reduce reliance on cobal. This material has been associated with ethical and environmental concerns. Researchers are exploring alternatives such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), which offers enhanced safety and longevity.

However, as popular as Li-ion batteries are, they do come with a number of downsides. One of the biggest concerns is thermal runaway. This is a condition where excessive heat leads to potential fire risks. To address this, researchers are developing advanced cooling systems and incorporating fire-resistant materials to improve safety and reliability.

Solid-State Batteries

The introduction of solid-state batteries is poised to redefine the solar energy systems landscape in a major way. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid/gel electrolytes, solid-state batteries utilise solid electrolytes. This change offers several key benefits that are worth exploring. 

One of the most notable advantages is increased safety. Due to the absence of flammable liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries are less likely to catch fire or explode as a result of thermal runaway. This makes them a much safer option for residential applications. 

Additionally, these batteries can offer higher energy density, allowing for greater energy storage capacity within a smaller volume compared to their liquid electrolyte counterparts. This is particularly beneficial in space-constrained environments. 

Also, solid-state technology has the potential for longer life cycles due to reduced wear on internal components. While solid-state batteries are still largely in the research and development phase, several companies are working towards commercial viability. Once realised, they could revolutionise solar storage solutions.

Flow Batteries

Flow battery systems offer a unique approach to solar energy storage. Unlike traditional batteries, these new systems use liquid electrolytes that are stored in external tanks. Energy is generated through a chemical reaction that occurs when these liquids flow through a cell.

This technology allows for easy scalability by increasing tank size without altering the core system design. The level of scalability offered makes flow batteries ideal for commercial installations where large amounts of energy need to be stored and dispatched efficiently. 

Additionally, flow batteries can provide power over extended periods due to their long discharge times, making them excellent for balancing supply and demand on the grid. 

Their durability is another advantage; flow batteries have long cycle lives and can endure thousands of charge/discharge cycles without significant degradation.

Sodium-Sulfur Batteries

Sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries are another promising technology in solar energy storage, particularly for large-scale applications. These batteries operate at high temperatures, typically between 300°C and 350°C, which allows the sodium and sulfur components to remain in a molten state and facilitate efficient energy storage. Known for their high energy density and long cycle life, sodium-sulfur batteries can store and discharge large amounts of energy, making them suitable for industrial-scale solar farms and grid storage systems.

Sodium-sulfur batteries are also attractive due to their use of abundant and inexpensive materials, contributing to lower production costs compared to some other advanced battery technologies. Additionally, they are capable of sustaining numerous charge and discharge cycles without significant degradation, which enhances their longevity. 

However, the high operating temperatures required for sodium-sulfur batteries present challenges in terms of energy consumption and safety. Proper thermal insulation and monitoring systems are necessary to maintain their temperature and prevent potential hazards.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries, one of the oldest energy storage technologies, continue to play a role in solar energy systems, particularly in off-grid applications. They are known for their affordability and reliability, making them a popular choice in areas where advanced technologies may be inaccessible. they were traditionally used for lighting. 

Lead-acid batteries have proven their dependability over decades of use. However, they do come with limitations, including lower efficiency, shorter lifespans, and a need for regular maintenance. These factors make them less suited for high-performance or large-scale systems. Despite these drawbacks, lead-acid batteries remain a cost-effective solution for smaller-scale solar setups and regions with limited resources.

New Technologies Improving the Performance of Solar Battery Systems

– Artificial Intelligence Integration

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into solar battery systems is revolutionising how we manage energy storage. AI algorithms can analyse consumption patterns and predict future energy needs based on historical data and real-time inputs. This capability allows for optimised battery usage tailored to user requirements while enhancing overall system efficiency.

Additionally, AI facilitates seamless communication between solar battery systems and smart grids by enabling dynamic adjustments based on real-time data inputs from both sources.

– Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS)

Battery Management Systems play a crucial role in optimising solar battery performance. They monitor parameters such as voltage, temperature, and state of charge to ensure safe and efficient operation. Modern BMS solutions allow for real-time monitoring of battery performance through mobile apps or web interfaces, enabling users to track their systems easily.

Additionally, advanced BMS can analyse historical data to predict maintenance needs or potential failures before they occur. This helps to reduce downtime and maintenance costs. These systems also optimise charging cycles by adjusting rates based on external factors like temperature or load demands.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Garden Lovers

As Christmas is creeping near, finding the ideal gift for garden lovers can be a bit frustrating. But we are here to help you turn your frown upside down with our blog on the best presents for your garden loving family or friend. From the known green thumbs to newcomers, these present ideas will have them eager to dig their hands in the soil.

Smart Plant Sensor

A smart plant sensor is an amazing gadget for the modern gardener who values technology and gardening together. These intelligent devices monitor key plant health metrics such as soil moisture, temperature and light exposure before providing real-time updates through a smartphone app. They will be able to tend to their plants with precision and care from home or while on the move. Not only can smart plant sensors ensure optimal growing conditions but they also offer invaluable insights that help even beginner gardeners learn and grow with gardening. 

Solar-Powered Outdoor Speaker

Garden lovers who appreciate music while tending to their plants will be over the moon for this eco-friendly gift idea. These solar-powered speakers use the sun’s power to deliver high-quality sound without needing wires or constant recharges. Simply place it in a sunny spot in your garden, and it will provide hours of entertainment from soothing tunes to energizing playlists. Not only can solar-powered outdoor speakers offer an eco-friendly way of listening to music outdoors, but many models also include Bluetooth capabilities for easy connectivity with smartphones or other devices. 

Hedge Trimmers 

Gardeners who take great pride in keeping their space looking its best know that having an efficient hedge trimmer on hand is an important tool. Ticking the boxes of both precision and power, this tool enables gardeners to effortlessly shape hedges, shrubs and bushes as needed or when the urge to imbody Edward Scissorhands take hold of them. Modern hedge trimmers feature ergonomic designs and lightweight builds to minimize fatigue while making even complex trimming tasks a breeze. These tools feature adjustable cutting lengths and cordless options for maximum mobility, making them suited to both professional landscapers and dedicated home gardeners. Perfect for prettifying your trimming or healthy plant growth, a high-quality hedge trimmer makes an great addition to any gardener’s toolbox.

Home Composting Systems

A home composting system makes an excellent gift for eco-conscious gardeners looking to reduce waste while enriching the soil. Composting is a natural process that transforms kitchen waste and garden debris into nutrient-rich soil fertilizer that promotes plant growth. Modern composting systems are tailored to fit seamlessly into any home or garden, offering options such as compact bins for urban dwellers or larger tumbling systems for those with more space. These systems are easy to use, promoting sustainability by reducing landfill waste and fertilizing gardens without using synthetic fertilizers. An investment in sustainability, home composting systems make great gifts that promote living a greener lifestyle, not to mention helping create healthier planets.

Personalized Gardening Gloves

Personalized gardening gloves make a wonderful present that combines practicality and a touch of personality. Gardeners rely on protective gardening gloves to shield their hands from thorns, dirt and the elements while remaining comfortable for optimal dexterity. Personalized gloves gives the opportunity for you to add your own personal stamp. By adding personalization like a name, monogram, or design of your choice to the gardening gloves, they become chic accessories that reflect personal style or hold sentimental value for any gardener. Available in materials ranging from durable leather to breathable cotton to have you covered for all gardening tasks and jobs imaginable. 

Vertical Planters

Wrapping up a few vertical planters as a Christmas gift, will give your garden lover an innovative solution to maximize space, especially in urban settings or smaller yards. Vertical planters allow for increased plant density within limited spaces, making them perfect for balconies, patios or indoor gardens. Vertical planters come in various designs, from wall-mounted pockets and tiered stands to freestanding towers, offering versatility to suit whatever aesthetic preferences and space limitations they might have. Their efficient drainage allows for efficient watering access for healthy plant growth while their versatile storage capabilities allow them to house herbs, flowers, vegetables and succulents. Vertical planters make an effective and stylish addition that can turn any small area into lush garden space.

DIY Bonsai Kits

DIY bonsai kits provide enthusiasts of all skill levels the chance to grow and shape miniature trees themselves, bringing the ancient art of bonsai into their own homes. These kits typically include everything necessary to get started, such as seeds or saplings, specialty soil and bonsai pot. Important tools such as pruning shears and wire for styling the tree are also often included. DIY bonsai kits provide gardeners with comprehensive instructions to guide them through the intricate process of nurturing and shaping a bonsai tree, providing both an educational experience as well as creative satisfaction. Bonsai trees can make an elegant and tranquil addition to areas with limited space, be they indoors or on small balconies. Not only are bonsai cultivation activities rewarding hobbies, engaging in this practice cultivates patience, mindfulness, and an appreciation of nature’s many forms.

Plant-Themed Mugs

Plant-themed mugs is a fantastic Christmas gift idea if you are looking for a stocking stuffer or buying on a tight budget. These mugs make an elegant addition to any plant lover’s collection, squishing their joys of gardening with everyday routines like sipping coffee or tea. Often featuring beautiful botanical illustrations, vibrant plant motifs or whimsical garden-related puns. Made out of from materials like ceramic or glass, plant themed mugs serve both functionality and decoration. They can use it for beverages like coffee and tea or as unique planters for succulents and small houseplants, making thoughtful gifts for those who appreciate nature’s beauties.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal Christmas present for gardeners can be as rewarding as planting seeds that blossom into vibrant fowers. Our small but mighty selection of thoughtful, practical, and whimsy present ideas is sure to bring some green joy this holiday season. Remember that true gifts come from the heart, so when selecting something related to their passion, you won’t just be giving something but actually growing their love of gardening. So get out there this holiday season and spread a bit of green joy through thoughtful gift-giving.

A Dive into the Technology Used in Solar PV

In a world where the consequences of climate change are increasingly apparent, the push to reduce greenhouse gases, mainly by burning fossil fuels, is in full swing. Investment in green energy, such as solar energy, is increasing with each passing year, and for good reasons.

Switching to green solar energy is now economically feasible. While there has always been an abundance of solar energy to tap into, the technology to harness ample solar energy for typical household or commercial use cases was cost-prohibitive. 

It’s estimated that the amount of sunlight that hits the earth’s surface in just one hour and a half is enough to meet the world’s full-year energy consumption. On average, 342 watts of solar energy hit every square meter of earth yearly (https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/135642main_balance_trifold21.pdf). This is a huge amount of energy, which, if tapped into by using solar PV, can make a significant difference in reducing carbon emissions. Recently, harnessing solar energy to generate electricity has become a viable option.

Solar PV technology such as pvgeneration.ie used in harnessing solar energy has improved tremendously in the past decade, improving the efficiency of commercially available solar panels. With increased efficiency, typical solar panels can generate more electricity and meet our needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Let’s dive into the solar PV technology that’s making harnessing solar energy possible.

Solar Photovoltaic Technology: How PV Cells Convert Sunlight into Electricity

A photovoltaic cell is a non-mechanical device that converts sunlight to electricity. Every PV cell is made of a semiconductor material. Semiconductor materials conduct electricity better than insulators but not as well as conductors, such as metals, can. When sunlight strikes PV cells, the photons can provide enough energy to dislodge negatively charged particles called electrons.

The dislodged electrons also attain energy to flow through the material, creating an electrical current that can be harvested to power electrical appliances. The front of the PV cells are treated to attract the dislodged electron or current of electricity. With the electrons moving to the surface of the PV cell, an electrical imbalance between the front and the back surfaces of the PV cell is created, thereby creating a voltage potential that allows the current to flow.

The vast majority of PV cells are made using silicone semiconductor material. The abundance of material and the longevity of silicon-based PV cells makes it commercially viable to produce silicon PV cells.

Every PV cell can produce as much as 1 to 2 watts, which is insufficient to power household or commercial appliances. However, when the cells are connected in a package to form a panel, they produce usable electricity. Typically, solar panels are connected to create an array, further enhancing the electricity-generating potential of the PV cells.

Once the electron reaches the surface of the PV cells, the current is extracted through a conductive metal and transferred to external loads – appliances that use electricity or storage batteries. 

PV cells generate direct current (DC) electricity. You can charge storage batteries directly with DC electricity. However, nearly all devices use alternating current electricity. As such, homeowners and businesses that invest in solar panels must also invest in an inverter, which converts the DC electricity that PV cells generate to AC command devices.

PV Efficiency 

One of the most essential measurement metrics for solar PVs is their efficiency. Understanding what happens to sunlight when it hits the PV cells is important to understand PV efficiency. When solar radiation hits the PV cell, it can either be reflected by the cell, pass through it, or be absorbed by it. The absorbed sunlight is the proportion of sunlight that generates electricity. As such, PV cell efficiency is the measure of the amount of electrical power generated by a PV cell compared to the energy of sunlight that hits the cells. 

The efficiency of PV cells depends on the intensity of solar radiation and the wavelengths of light the PV cell can utilise to generate electricity. The semiconductor bandgap indicates the wavelength of light the materials can absorb and use to dislodge electrons to generate electricity. As such, the efficiency of a solar PV cell depends on the bandgap matching with the wavelength of the light. 

Commercially available PV cells from companies such as NFC Energy in Meath typically have an efficiency of 15% to 25%. However, niche PV cells such as those used in satellites and experimental cells can achieve about 50% efficiency.

Other Types of Solar Cell Technology 

While the solar PV industry is dominated by silicon solar cells, there is an array of other types of solar cells. They include:

#1: Thin-Film Solar Cells – Thin-cell PV cells are made using a micrometre thick layer of semiconductor materials such as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or cadmium telluride (CdTe). Consequently, these PV cells are flexible and lightweight, which makes them ideal for portable applications. Thin cell PVs are also easier to manufacture than traditional silicon-based PV cells. 

#2: III-IV Solar Cells – The III-IV Solar PV Cells can be considered the most advanced currently available PV cells. They are named after the group of elements they are made of – that is, Group III materials such as indium and gallium and Group V elements such as antimony and arsenic. These types of solar cells are more challenging to manufacture and, therefore, more expensive. As such, they are typically used in high-tech environments where high power-to-weight ratios are essential, and their high cost is not a prohibiting factor, such as satellites and high endurance UAVs.

Additionally, research is ongoing to develop new types of solar cells that are cheaper and easier to produce while retaining high levels of efficiency (or even improving efficiency). Various national laboratories and private organisations are pursuing new PV technologies such as quantum dot PV cells, concentration PVs, multijunction PV cells, PV cells made of organic materials, and PV cells made of hybrid organic-inorganic materials (such as Perovskite Photovoltaics, which are a type of thin-film PV cells).

 

Guerbet Launch Solar Project to Power 18% of Pharmaceutical Operations in Dublin

Guerbet, a pioneer global pharmaceutical company specializing in medical imaging and contrast agents, has launched its first solar farm at its API manufacturing site in Dublin, coinciding with the celebration of its 30th year in operation.

2.4MW solar farm will meet 18% of the company’s total electricity requirements:

Guerbet entered a contract with Enerpower powered by Greenvolt, a leading renewable energy company, for the construction of a 2.4MW solar farm at the Guerbet site in Damastown in 2022.

The two companies entered into a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement where Guerbet has guaranteed to purchase the solar PV electrical power for a period of 20 years. The solar farm is constructed on land owned by Guerbet and will provide the equivalent to the electricity consumption of 500 households.

The project will deliver 18% of the site’s electrical power on an annualised basis, and during the peak summer months could potentially power the plant without addition of electricity from the grid during daylight hours.

The initiative aligns with Guerbet’s strategy and its People and Planet Corporate Social Responsibility positioning for reducing carbon footprint as it looks forward to the next 30 years.

David Hale, CEO of Guerbet Group indicates: “At Guerbet, our purpose is ‘Building lasting relationships that enable people to live better’, and preserving our planet is a foundational part of that purpose.  In 2023, we made a commitment validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce our carbon emissions by 27,5% for Scope 1+2 and 13,5% for Scope 3 by 2032. Our partnership with Enerpower is a great example of a relationship that will help us achieve those objectives.”

David Forde, Site Lead at Guerbet Dublin said: “Guerbet has a long history of innovation, growth, and service in the pharmaceutical industry. This new Corporate Power Purchase Agreement will produce renewable electricity for our API manufacturing site in Damastown and is a significant development in our long-term strategy to significantly reduce carbon emissions at the site. Guerbet joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) which encourages ambitious climate action in the private sector by allowing companies to set science-based emission reduction targets. This is a further step on that journey.”

It also comes as the company celebrates 30-years of operation in Ireland. Over the past three decades, Guerbet has continuously strived for excellence, delivering cutting-edge medical imaging solutions and contrast agents to healthcare professionals worldwide, as well as offering highly skilled employment in the area.”

John Carty, CCO of Enerpower powered by Greenvolt stated, “We are delighted to partner with Guerbet on their first solar energy project. Similarly to Guerbet’s ethos we too endeavour to build lasting relationships with our customers and are delighted to add Guerbet to our list of clients using solar energy in Ireland.”

Guerbet marks 30 years of operation in Ireland, employing over 130 skilled workers

The site in Dublin began production in 1994 and currently boasts a workforce of over 130 skilled professionals at the Damastown location. This local presence contributes to the company’s global footprint, which spans across the 5 continents with 2,830 employees worldwide.

Guerbet develops and manufacture contrast media, which are instrumental in improving the visibility of internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues during medical imaging procedures.

Every second, somewhere in the world a patient undergoes an imaging procedure with a Guerbet product. More than 60,000 health professionals rely on the contrast agents to diagnose disease and assess treatment efficacy.

Ørsted takes final investment decision on its first Irish solar farm

Ørsted has taken final investment decision (FID) on phase one of Garreenleen Solar Farm, which marks the company’s first solar investment in Ireland.   

Located 15 km outside of Carlow town, this 81 MW solar development is expected to be operational by 2026 and will bring Ørsted’s operational capacity on the island of Ireland to almost 500 MW.    

 Today’s FID follows the project’s successful win under the Irish Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 3 (RESS 3) auction in September 2023. RESS 3 was a successful auction for Ørsted, with two projects (wind and solar) totalling 124 MW clearing. The RESS 3 auction average strike price was EUR 100.47 per MWh, which is consistent with similar regimes in other European markets.   

 Commenting on the investment decision, Kieran White, Senior Vice President of Onshore in Region Europe at Ørsted, said:  

“Solar energy is an essential component for enabling the Irish power system to run entirely on green energy, and I’m delighted to confirm that Ørsted now will invest in our first Irish solar farm.“ 

 He continued: “While this will be our first solar project in Ireland, our strong pipeline of other projects, which continue to progress through consenting and grid access, gives us the confidence that more will follow.”  

“Garreenleen is an attractive solar project because it has a short grid route to a strong meshed node in the existing national electricity network, in an area of the grid where constraints are forecast to be low. With this investment decision, the project will also install the necessary grid infrastructure to facilitate the connection of a second phase of the project, which we hope to commit to within the next year,” he concluded. 

Failure to facilitate hybrid connections creating needless barrier to renewables in Ireland

Ireland’s failure to implement policies that facilitate so-called hybrid connections places unnecessary costs and delays on renewable providers. This warning comes from the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) who want new policies to be expedited so they are implemented as soon as possible to help achieve the ambitious targets of the latest Climate Action Plan.

A hybrid connection is where more than one source of energy or storage is connected to the national grid on a single site. These are currently not permitted in Ireland, meaning that in sites where solar and storage or solar and wind are present together, there is a need for two separate connections. Each grid connection requires the construction of physical infrastructure with the associated costs, planning requirements and time.

While consultations are taking place in regard to increasing the over install limit of connection capacities and an additional consultation is expected to take place in regards to multiple legal entities behind connection points, there is a third, and more important topic, the dynamic sharing of MECs, that needs to be addressed urgently if we are to capitalise on the benefits of updating these policies for consumers and renewable providers.

Speaking about the need for new policies in this area ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said “We have been talking about hybrid sites for nearly a decade, with no output evident aside from on-going consultation processes. We have examples of locations that have two buildings side by side performing duplicate functions. This is extremely wasteful, increases the cost to energy providers and ultimately to consumers.

“There has been a general recognition amongst policymakers that change is required for several years.” But according to Bolger there has been very little action. “The 2019 Climate Action Plan committed to putting the right policies in place by Q3 2020. The latest iteration of Climate Action Plan now makes that same commitment but for Q4 2023. Despite an unexplained 39-month delay, the industry isn’t overly confident that we will see much movement this year.”

ISEA now want the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to make a decision. “It feels as if the regulator isn’t focused on the big picture in relation to what needs to be done to expedite the updating of these dated policies with their lack of attention on the dynamic sharing of the maximum export capacity (MEC) by technologies behind the same connection an example of this. If adopted, this will allow for greater flexibility and variety in what can be achieved at hybrid connection points. We need to radically accelerate our deployment of renewables and hybrid connections will help keep costs for consumers lower and ensure faster implementation.

“If we were to place a solar farm on every renewable site already connected to the grid, we could ramp up our delivery of green power while minimising the construction of new network. Everyone knows what is required, so let us put that in place now, and not wait until the end of the year.”

Concluding Conall Bolger, CEO of ISEA said “We are in a climate crisis, everyone agrees that renewables are one of the most important solutions. We need the triumvirate of solar, storage and wind working together to combat Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels. Allowing hybrid connections facilitates this in an efficient manner.”

Minister Dara Calleary joins Statkraft & Microsoft to turn sod on energy provider’s latest solar project

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, joined Statkraft and Microsoft to turn the sod on Harlockstown Solar – Statkraft’s latest solar project in Ireland.

The 34MW solar project in Co. Meath, which could power the equivalent of almost 9,000 homes, is one of several renewable energy projects being delivered as part of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) package with Microsoft which was signed last year. Under the multi-year deals, Statkraft Ireland will supply the technology firm with 366MW of clean energy from six of its wind and solar farms.

The CPPA establishes a Community Benefit Fund that will provide grants of approximately €1.3 million over the lifetime of the project to community-led clean energy and environmental justice initiatives to help create a brighter future, and make a difference in the communities that we operate in.

CPPAs enable corporations to procure renewable electricity directly from a renewable electricity generator and with these CPPAs, Microsoft is helping add additional clean energy capacity to the grid. The Government’s Climate Action Plan includes a target of 15% of electricity demand to be delivered from renewable energy CPPAs by 2030. This equates to approximately 6 terawatt hours of additional electricity generation.

Through its renewable energy contract with Statkraft and its other CPPAs announced in November 2023, Microsoft’s procurement will see the development of more than 900 MW of onshore wind and solar energy projects. The company is seeking to make a material contribution to accelerating the country’s journey to a net-zero future.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, said: “Our future is both green and digital, and how we manage data will be a crucial to our decarbonisation ambitions. Renewable energy has a really important role to play in our fight to protect the planet, and I want to congratulate Statkraft and Microsoft on this important initiative. This new solar project has capacity to power the equivalent of almost 9,000 homes – Corporate PPAs have a real role to play in supporting Ireland’s renewable energy and climate targets, and I believe can be an important mechanism to support the wider system changes necessary in the electricity sector to deliver lasting benefits to households, businesses, and local communities.”

Kevin O’Donovan, Senior VP for Statkraft, said: “There is a growing understanding among the public of the importance of solar power to meet the country’s energy needs and security of supply. Every single solar panel installed means importing less polluting and costly fossil fuel while at the same time, bolstering Ireland’s future energy security.

“There is no magic formula when it comes to climate action and meeting our 2030 targets. It will require a range of rapidly deployed technologies and solutions all working in harmony to decarbonise our electricity supply. For that reason, we are delighted today to be announcing the beginning of construction on Harlockstown Solar.”

Donal O’Sullivan, VP for Development and Offshore with Statkraft Ireland, added: “Between now and the end of the decade, we are going to have to use all the tools at our disposal to make the energy transition happen. Projects like Harlockstown contribute to Ireland’s ambition of delivering 15% of new renewable volumes via CPPA while showcasing Statkraft’s experience of sourcing alternative routes to market for its renewable energy projects.”

Eoin Doherty, Microsoft’s Cloud Operations + Innovation EMEA Regional Leader, said: “At Microsoft, we’re committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Statkraft to bring additional renewable energy on stream and help the Irish Government to achieve its climate action ambitions. The development of the solar energy project at Harlockstown is one of many projects that are coming on stream as a result of 900MWs of renewable energy contracts that we announced last year, which is a significant contribution to Ireland’s renewable energy corporate power purchase agreement target. As the country works towards achieving a more sustainable future, Microsoft will continue to partner with the energy sector and Government to accelerate the growth of renewables on the energy grid.”

Tech Review – Quntis Solar Spotlight Outdoor Garden Lights

Quntis is a brand that sells decorative and useful light solutions for at home and more alongside other gadgets for the tech fan which we have test many over the years, their newest addition is their new solar powered lights which are affordable and can really make your back or front garden stand out, last year we checked out their outdoor landscape lights but there is new ones on offer coming in two variants which is Warm Light and Cool Light which is simple to install and use.

This time around you have got the option to charge via USB cable as well as using solar powered and in certain regions this would work better than others even Ireland with the lack of sun we get here after that it is just drop in the ground in your desired spot and let it do its job you could not ask for anything simpler to do as is with all solar powered lights. Check the video below for more and see how they compare to the last model we tested out.

 

Features 

  • Super Bright Warm White Solar Spotlights】28 LEDs Solar spot lights adopts optical lens design for 30% more brightness, luminous intensity 800 Lumen which can focus the light source to the greatest extent and increase the brightness of the light. Solar spotlights can completely light up driveway garage wall porch pool path etc.
  • 【High-efficient Solar Panel】Solar spot lights outdoor using laminated monocrystalline solar panels, 30% faster than ordinary panels to convert solar energy, higher charging efficiency, life expectancy of more than three years, energy saving and environmentally friendly
  • 【IP65 Waterproof Solar Garden Lights】Quntis Solar spotlights are made up of high quality ABS plastic material with a fully sealed IP65 waterproof design that effectively protects the inside of the light panel, resulting in better water resistance and longer life, whether it is raining, snowing, hot or other extreme weather, our solar garden lights offer better durability
  • 【Automatic On/Off & 3 Brightness modes】Quntis Solar uplighters has 3 brightness modes, 45% brightness (lasts for 12 hours), 75% brightness (lasts for 8 hours) and 100% brightness (lasts for 6 hours), the memory function will continue to hold the last set mode after a full charge
  • 【Solar-powered or USB-charged】Solar spotlights can be charged through solar power or USB chargers, allowing for ample electricity even on rainy or winter days. As garden lighting or outdoor activity lighting, they are very practical
  • 【Two-way Easy Installation】Our Solar landscape spotlights with 120° light angle adjustment, Provide super bright large area lighting. You can choose to wall mount or fix the solar garden lights to the ground as required. Upgraded version of the ground stakes, easier to insert into the ground and will be more stable.

Apply discount code – 10%DMC9CTTV

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Video Review

SSE Airtricity launches new ‘first and best in market’ solar installation offering

SSE Airtricity, together with partners Activ8, have launched a new solar product that will ensure customers are paid a market leading 34c per kWh for excess solar energy produced and exported back to the grid.

New and existing SSE Airtricity customers who have had their solar panels installed with Activ8 from April 13, 2023, will be eligible to be paid a premium of 10 cent per kWh exported on top of the current 24 cent export rate, for two years.

The product launch comes as the Irish government abolished the rate of VAT for domestic solar installations from May 1, 2023. This offer complements the existing range of energy solutions SSE offers customers, providing easy access to green energy and improving energy efficiency in homes across the country.

Solar panel installations have many benefits:

  • Households can save up to 50% on energy bills and generate up to 80% of their hot water needs.
  • Surplus energy generated through a typical solar PV install can be exported back to the energy grid, putting money back in customers’ pockets and providing more renewable electricity for Ireland’s energy system.
  • The majority of installations are completed in one day with minimal disruption to the household.
  • As an SSE Airtricity customer, a new installation will earn an export rate of 34 cent per kWh. That is a 10 cent premium versus the standard rate of 24 cent per kWh.

Helen Ryan, from County Louth, who had her solar installation completed recently with Activ8, said:

“We decided to install solar panels to help save on our electricity bills as well as wanting to produce renewable energy on our own. We have a gas boiler, so being able to generate so much hot water was also a massive reason as to why we went with solar panels.

“We have noticed a big difference in our bills, even for the months of January, February and March. Our electricity bills are currently 30% of what they were and that’s not accounting for our savings on gas with our hot water production from the solar panels. It’s funny how we changed our usage behaviours so quickly after installation too. My parents are awaiting a survey now after seeing our panels in action, so I would definitely recommend them.”

Klair Neenan, Director at SSE Airtricity said:

“As a company with green in our DNA, we know that customers want easy access to green energy solutions that help them and the environment. At SSE Airtricity we want to empower our customers and be their one stop shop for all energy related matters. With 0% Vat and up to €2,400 available in SEAI Grants, there has never been a better time to invest in renewable solar energy and offset rising energy costs. Families and households can generate their own electricity for their home and lower their bills, all while contributing to the ultimate goal of net zero.”

This offer is available for all new solar installations (from April 13, 2023), visit www.sseairtricity.com for more information.