Hundreds of thousands of homes were left without power over the past week after Storm Éowyn battered Ireland, unleashing record-breaking winds across the country.
Some 140,000 homes are still without power this week, with ESB crews working around the clock to restore power as soon as possible to the worst hit areas.
It is predicted that more storms like Éowyn could hit Ireland in the future due to climate change, which would mean widespread electricity outages could become much more frequent.
So this begs the question – is there anything we can do to keep the electricity on after huge storms cause widespread blackouts?
On Tuesday, a Roscommon woman came up with one solution, which would allow people in rural areas to survive off the grid.
Rachel Connolly, a resident of Castlerea, told the Taoiseach that to cope with future storms, the government should provide a full grant for homes in the West to buy a residential wind turbine, two solar panels and a battery.
Renewable energy expert Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie explained that Ms Connolly was correct to point out how renewable energy can help households to keep the lights on during an outage.
“What Rachel suggests is that the government provides each resident with renewable energy systems to generate electricity, which can be stored in a battery,” said Mr Kelly.
“This would mean that even if there was a widespread power outage like we saw on Friday, each home would have backup electricity stored in their battery.”
“Even a small solar system of four solar panels and a battery would help keep the lights on during a power outage, and also save you hundreds per year on your electricity bills,” he said.
“The battery stores excess electricity which is produced during the day, and this power can then be used later in the day, at night, or during a power outage.”
Mr Kelly explained how much it would currently cost to install a small solar system comprising four solar panels on your rooftop, along with a solar battery.
“Four panels would cost in the region of €4,250 to €4,770, after receiving a grant of around €1,220.”
“A solar battery could cost around €1,700 extra, taking the total cost to around €5,000.”
“Although this is a significant investment, these panels could save households over €450 per year, which means that after just 12 years, it will have paid for itself.
“The great thing is that after this 12-year period, your panels will continue to produce free electricity for another 15 years.”
“However, most households choose to get more than four panels, as 8 to 12 panels would save you much more per year on energy bills, and also pay for themselves in much less time.”
“For example, 10 panels would qualify you for the maximum €1,800 solar grant, and this could potentially pay for itself in under 6 years.”
