• Question: Do you think solar power is the solution to a clear energy future?

    Asked by Ciara H on 7 Dec 2021.
    • Photo: Susan Rea

      Susan Rea answered on 8 Nov 2021:


      Hi Ciara,
      Solar is definitely one solution but more broadly we need to change our behaviour to address how we use energy, we need to be aware of where our energy comes and minimise the use of fossil fuels where we can.

    • Photo: Natasha Doyle

      Natasha Doyle answered on 8 Nov 2021:


      Hi Ciara,
      A clear energy future is something we should all be working towards! Solar power is a big step in the direction, however other alternative energy does exist like wave energy and wind energy.
      As Susan has said, we do have a limited number of fossil fuels left, as well as that, we are producing more and more nasty gases which are released into the environment leading to climate change.
      A clear energy future is one of many approaches we all need to adopt to create a clean and environmentally sustainable planet.

    • Photo: Valeria Nico

      Valeria Nico answered on 8 Nov 2021:


      Hi Ciara, it will definitely help to go towards a cleaner energy future.

      Unfortunately solar panels take up a lot of space so generally they are used on roofs to power small buildings such as your home. There are however some large scale solar power plants in deserted areas that can generate a lot of energy.

      I think the best way to go towards a more sustainable energy future is to have a combination of the different renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric (from waterfalls or by using dams) energy and even energy from tides.

    • Photo: David Kelly

      David Kelly answered on 8 Nov 2021:


      Hi Ciara,

      I’m definitely not an expert on this topic but I think solar power is the one of many energy solutions to help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
      Solar energy is definitely an effective solution to be used on farms. For example, milking parlours and fridges which cool milk down to preserve it on dairy farms use a lot of electricity. Some farmers are now installing solar panels on their sheds so that they can generate the electricity themselves to use in the milking parlour. This ensures the electricity used is coming from a renewable source, while also reducing the demand on the national electricity grid, and could potentially be used on the thousands of family farms across Ireland.

    • Photo: Belinda Huerta

      Belinda Huerta answered on 8 Nov 2021:


      It is part of the solution, for sure. It is clean, durable, and the technology is very well known and effective, even in those countries which receive less solar light during the year.

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