Martin Stapleton, Chair IFA Member Services, Teresa Purtill, Director of Services and Solutions Bord Gáis Energy, and James Kelly, IFA Director of Organisation.
Together, IFA and Bord Gáis Energy identified, based on IFA member feedback, that farmers across all sectors were seeking a solution around renewable energy due to rising input costs along with the added environmental benefits.
The launch follows a pilot project undertaken by IFA and Bord Gáis Energy to establish the commercial feasibility of the installation of roof top solar technology on Irish farms. The pilot worked closely with farmers from different sectors, sizes and geographies and clearly and objectively established the benefits of solar for all farmers involved.
The results of the pilot demonstrate the support that IFA and Bord Gáis Energy can provide to help maximise the benefits of rooftop solar for farmers. It also helped identify the barriers to entry and, by working together, how to overcome them.
At the launch, James Kelly, IFA’s Director of Organisation said: “Our partnership with Bord Gáis Energy will provide a reliable and affordable solar solution. As the largest energy services business in Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy has the technical and engineering capacity to deliver high class solar solutions for farmers. Together, we also have the ability to provide a reliable customer experience with ongoing support. Each farm is unique and we will provide a comprehensive renewables offering for farmers including a detailed assessment of the viability, design and installation of a rooftop solar. We will also provide guidance on available supports, expected system performance, payback periods and ongoing support in the form of data analysis to help farmers on this journey’’.
Teresa Purtill, Director of Services and Solutions, Bord Gáis Energy added: “Over the next five years, Bord Gáis Energy is committed to becoming the market leading net-zero solutions provider in Ireland and to helping all of our customers transition affordably to a lower-carbon future. Working with our long-term partner IFA, we’re extremely proud to offer affordable and innovative solar solutions for Irish farmers helping them de-carbonise their energy usage across rural Ireland. We look forward to developing out further renewable solutions for Irish farmers, both for their businesses and homes, as we continue the journey to net zero”.
Martin Stapleton, Chair of IFA Member Services added: “The current conditions combined with rising energy prices, makes it feasible for all farmers across all sectors from north to south to avail of solar. This is a new technology that farmers are coming to terms with. An installation by IFA and Bord Gáis Energy offers a renewables solution from a trusted and credible partner – something that we know farmers really need right now”.
Bord Gáis Energy and IFA will begin installation in the early Spring but encourage interested parties to register and request further details.