The Irish Solar Energy Association claims more than 7,300 jobs could be created here if the infrastructure is rolled out nationwide.

The association claims the deployment of solar power in Ireland would see the creation of more than 7,300 high-value jobs throughout the country and help save Ireland from EU fines in excess of €300 million a year from 2020.

However, solar is currently the only renewable energy technology that does not qualify for any form of a subsidy in Ireland.

The industry’s calling on the Government to create mechanisms to support the growth of solar power here.

It is raising concerns about the possibility of Ireland being fined if we fail to meet new EU targets by the year 2020.

Ireland is currently on track to fall significantly short on its EU 2020 renewable energy targets where it has committed to generating 40% of our electricity from renewable sources. In 2014 we achieved just over half of this target (23%) from a combination of wind, hydro and biomass sources. In 2014 more than 85% of the energy used in Ireland was imported and last year alone our usage of coal for the production of electricity actually rose by almost 20%.

ISEA Chairman, David Maguire, said: “It is clear the country is facing a real challenge to meet these targets and avoid significant fines. Despite the successful deployment of wind energy in Ireland, which enjoyed considerable state support, wind alone will not ensure that we reach that goal.

“However solar, which is a material part of the established solution for other countries in Europe, is still in its embryonic state here. We are ready to deploy immediately and just need a support mechanism similar to that afforded to other technologies in order to kick-start the sector.”