Futureproof with Jonathan McCrea Extra: The Future of Solar Energy
Oct 14, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Paul Deane, a Senior Lecturer in Clean Energy Futures at UCC, dives into the mechanics of solar energy. He explains how photovoltaics transform sunlight into electricity and tackles the efficiency hurdles and cost reductions that have propelled solar into the mainstream. Paul also discusses the longevity and low maintenance of solar panels, their modular deployment, and what makes some rooftops unsuitable. Lastly, he highlights the future of energy with an emphasis on decentralization and innovative storage solutions.
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How Solar Actually Makes Electricity
- Solar electricity is generated when sunlight causes electrons to move within panels, producing the same electricity your home uses.
- This makes solar electricity easy to mix with grid power and replaces fossil-fuel generation cleanly and affordably.
Efficiency Led To A Cost Revolution
- Modern solar panels convert roughly 20% of sunlight to electricity and efficiency gains have mainly driven cost reductions.
- Falling costs have shifted solar from an environmental choice to an economic one for many households and businesses.
Install Solar For Savings, Not Just Climate
- Consider solar now because economics have tipped strongly in its favour and many adopters seek savings rather than virtue signalling.
- Evaluate payback against current electricity prices since solar delivers direct household and business savings.