SOLAR ENERGY SAVINGS: CATCH A WINDFALL EVERY YEAR
Updated September 20, 2024
By Morgan Pierce
It’s Autumn, so it’s all about “windfalls” now. Maybe it was the approach of the season of mellow fruitfulness that encouraged the European Court of Justice to rule that Apple must pay Ireland €14.1 billion in back taxes. Ever since the announcement was made, politicians – and the rest of us – have been obsessing about just how to spend the largesse.
The silly suggestions ran from hiring government contractors to replicate the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed in 38,000 of the state’s towns and villages, to springing for premium seats to Oasis’ next gig for 26 million of our nearest and dearest. Fun while it lasted, but after a week of frivolity the Taoiseach hinted at rather more serious plans for the cash.
“It can’t be spent on day-to-day stuff because it is once-off in nature.” Simon Harris said. “I think there are clear areas where it would merit consideration around infrastructure, housing, and other areas where there are constraints.” One of those other areas, his colleague Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien suggested, could be the government’s Climate Fund.
They are good, forward-thinking ideas.
It would be hard to argue if a chunk of Apple’s money went, for example, toward alleviating the escalating housing crisis. If those new homes were made truly “affordable” by being built to the highest energy efficiency standards, equipped with things like heat pumps, triple-glazed windows and solar, guaranteeing such significant energy savings that would add even more value to the investment.
Then there is the brand new “Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund” mentioned by Minister O’Brien. It was created this year to ringfence funding for crucial projects to meet Ireland’s climate goals – especially if times get hard. Topping up the Fund – for projects that make energy savings, cut the use of fossil fuels, make buildings more energy efficient, restore natural habitats, improve water quality, and reintroduce native species like eagles and osprey – would ensure there was money available for the inevitable rainy day.
Yes, they are good, forward-thinking ideas. And fiscally responsible, too.
But it’s hard to beat the mass appeal of the suggestion made by one newspaper that we take the money and divvy it up among every man, woman, and child in the country. A €2,500 pre-holiday top-up that would certainly spread the joy. For many of us, in these inflationary times, that €2,500 would feel like a windfall.
The thought of that money got us thinking. What if there was a way to guarantee that kind of windfall every year? Well, there is.
Solar Energy Savings
Homeowners who invest in domestic solar save on average 50% on their household energy costs per year. Try this calculator provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority to get a clearer idea of your potential solar energy savings.
We’ve installed almost a thousand solar systems since 2020. Our experience shows that many homeowners’ energy savings are as much as €1,400 per year. Solar systems are built to last – most for 25-30 years. So, when you’ve recouped your original investment in solar – for most purchasers that takes about eight years – you’ll continue to save for years to come.
That’s a little windfall every single year!
We have to wait to see if the government uses the Apple tax bonus wisely. Making the switch to sustainable, low-cost solar, though, is a decision that’s in each of our hands. And who doesn’t want energy savings and to bank a little windfall?
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.