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Irelands Solar Energy Focus
Here in Ireland we have a great natural renewable energy potential. Including Hydroelectric, Bioenergy, Tidal Power, Geothermal, Wave Energy, and Wind Energy, with Wind being the most abundant. Here we are focusing on the Solar Energy aspect of renewable energy which will form part of Irelands Renewable Energy Domestic Strategy. Other forms which can be more expensive and less pratical will form part of Irelands Comercial Renewable Energy Strategy.
Energy Demand
As the worlds energy demands increase year on year especially in the developing countries, Irelands demands are also increasing, even though many people are leaving these shores at the moment. Since the early 90's Irelands Energy demands have increase by a mean approx. of 4% year on year. With these increasing demands for energy and with the costs going upwards Solar Energy is an option for many domestic and industrial consumers. depending on their particular needs, and energy output required. With Ireland dependent on importing up to 90% of its energy, this figure needs to be improved upon. Starting with Renewables like Solar hot water and ventilation heating installations.
Energy Supply
On average in July, the solar radiation available to Northern Europe (Ireland) is roughly between 4.5 - 5 kWh m-2 per day. To put it into context, 5 kilowatt hrs. is more than enough energy to heat a large bath.
However in winter, the energy levels available from solar radiation are far lower. January Northern Europe (Ireland) the radiation output is approx. only 1/10 of the July value. Its around 0.5 kWh m-2. In southern Europe & areas closer to the equator the energy levels available are far greater. Thus in places in Northern Europe (Ireland) we must provide a secondary back up of energy to meet our year round demands.
Potential Energy Supply / Production
The amount of heat delivered by a solar water heating system depends primarily on the amount of heat delivered by the sun. In tropical places this can be relatively high, e.g. 7 kW.h/m2 per day, but it can be much lower in temperate areas where the days are shorter in winter, e.g. 3.2 kW.h/m2 per day. Even at the same latitude the average amount of heat delivered can vary a great deal from location to location due to local weather patterns and the amount of cloud overcast.
What Factors Effect a Solar Thermal System?
Is solar a viable energy source in Ireland? Yes!
Ireland’s daily solar irradiation is circa 3 kWh/m2.
Equivalent to approx 130 litres of oil per m2 per year.
Ireland Footpath towards meeting EU Targets
The target for Ireland in the European Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) for 2020 is for renewable sources to account
for 16% of gross final energy consumption (GFC). The Directive defines gross final consumption of energy as the energy
commodities delivered for energy purposes to manufacturing industry, transport, households, services, agriculture, forestry
and fisheries, including the consumption of electricity and heat by the energy branch for electricity and heat production and
including losses of electricity and heat in distribution.
The Average solar irradiance (also called radiation intensity), Watts per square metre.
This is for a horizontal surface, whereas solar panels are normally mounted at an angle and
receive more energy per unit area.
As this overall energy density is relatively small, large areas would be
needed for significant power production.
For example, in order to produce a gigawatt of power and assuming a
conversion efficiency of 20%, an area of 50km2 would be required.
Solar power is also variable in nature.
Cloud cover can significantly reduce irradiation and cause relatively fast variations in power output. As with
wind turbines, a geographical spread of solar systems will substantially
mitigate such short-term effects.
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