Empowering Solar Communities: Renewable Energy in Cork and Sofia

Solar Powered Farm in Cork

Solar power Europe spoke with John Murphy, a dairy farmer from Dripsey, Co. Cork, Ireland, who shared his experience of installing 32 solar panels with a 6kW inverter on his farm.

Project Overview:

• Installation: 32 solar panels with a 6 kW inverter
• Energy Production: 10,000 kWh annually
• Energy Usage: 70% for self-consumption, 30% sold back to the grid
• Cost: €15,300 (one-third paid by John, two-thirds subsidized by IFA and Bord Gáis Energy)

Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Significant reduction in electricity consumption from the grid
• Low Maintenance: Minimal maintenance costs with a lifespan of 25-30 years
• Ease of Installation: The installation took only two days, thanks to streamlined planning processes

Challenges and Recommendations:

• Government Support: Need for increased subsidies to make solar installations affordable
• Future Plans: John plans to expand to 50 solar panels with a 17 kW inverter and a potential battery storage system

-Quote from John Murphy:

"With solar, the technology is available and can be cost-effective, but without encouraging people to install it, a wider impact cannot be achieved."

Solar Powered Community Centre in Sofia

Solar power Europe also spoke with Boyan Vassilev, a psychologist with the Health and Social Development Foundation in Sofia, Bulgaria, who shared his experience of installing a 6kW rooftop system in a community center.

Project Overview:

• Installation: 14 solar panels with a 6 kW system
• Energy Usage: 100% for self-consumption
• Funding: Donation from Greenpeace Bulgaria

Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Reduced electricity consumption from the grid by about 50% within three months
• Reinvestment: Savings redirected to support early childhood development and other essential activities

Challenges and Recommendations:

• Challenges and Recommendations:

• Administrative Hurdles: Lengthy permitting process due to complex local administrative procedures
• Awareness: Need to educate the community on the cost-effectiveness of solar energy

Quote from Boyan Vassilev:

"Saving money allows us to redirect funds to our integral work with children and clients, purchase additional materials, and improve the environment."

These inspiring stories from Cork and Sofia highlight the transformative impact of solar energy on both individual and community levels.

Reference:

• Solar Power Europe. (n.d.). Solar powered farm in Cork - SolarPower Europe. https://www.solarpowereurope.org/advocacy/solar-saves/stories/solar-powered-farm-in-cork
• Solar Power Europe. (n.d.). Solar powered community centre in Sofia - SolarPower Europe. https://www.solarpowereurope.org/advocacy/solar-saves/stories/solar-powered-community-centre-in-sofia