This article is from page 16 of the 2006-04-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
BUSINESS people involved in renewable energy in Clare have welcomed the introduction of grants totalling €27m to install renewable heat technology in homes.
The scheme was agreed in last year’s Budget and is part of a multiannual finance package of €65m for renewable energy that will also include grants for a range of renewable heat, electricity and transport initiatives.
The “Greener Homes” scheme will allow householders to get grants for the installation of renewable technologies including wood pellet stoves and boilers, solar panels and geothermal heat pumps. Grant aid of €1,100 to €6,500 will be given, depending on the individual technology used.
Michael Neylon of Solargen, an Ennis company which provides solar panels and collectors for hot household water, said that the new grants “will help more people become aware of the benefits of renewable energy and will certainly encourage householders to install this technology.
“It is a major boost to the whole renewable energy field.”
Neylon explained that using renewable energy, such as solar panels, could save up to 70 per cent of the cost of household hot water bills in the year.
“And it doesn’t have to be hot and sunny. Solar panels work on light and will do their job even on a dull day,” Neylon added.
Dick Whelan, project manager of Renewable Energy Skills, a company which trains people in the installation, workings and maintenance of renewable energy technology, says he has had a huge increase in calls.
“We have certainly seen a raised level of interest.
“This is a very welcome announcement, both as part of the Kyoto agreement and with a view to de-coupling from oil prices,” said Whelan.
The company has been training people such as plumbers and electricians over the last two years.
“It will be more important than ever now to have people who are trained and accredited in this technology.
“Qualified people in Clare meet regularly and have now built up an extensive bank of expertise and knowledge which they can share,” said Whelan.