29/4/2006

The climate in Wales is no barrier to effective energy production using solar power and solar energy needs to be taken more seriously as a viable source of renewable energy, a Bangor academic told as Welsh affairs select comiittee visiting the university.

Professor Stuart Irvine, an expert in photo-voltaic (PV) solar energy at the University’s Department of Chemistry said one advantage was that PV energy is generated at its point of use in homes and factories, without the need to build large power stations.

"We are working to develop new technologies and to improve existing technologies to make PV solar power more cost effective for the consumer,� he said.

Wales is well placed to take advantage of the PV industry with 2 out of the 3 UK producers of PV modules based in Wales.

The Committee heard about the recently formed Welsh Optoelectronic Forum PhotoVoltaic Group, led by Professor Irvine, which aims to support the photovoltaic industry in Wales and to make the case for solar energy as part of an integrated energy policy for Wales.