Solar Rollout in Ireland: Revolution or Reinforcing Existing Social Inequity?

As the uptake of renewables continues to accelerate in Ireland and Europe, driven in large part by government and European Union policy, key questions remain to be addressed around the justice implications of the rollout of solar energy and whether some people or groups are being left behind. This chapter seeks to review and synthesise some of the existing research around energy justice, energy poverty, solar PV and how each of these is applicable to the context of Ireland. It also contends that government policy supporting the adoption of solar PV must be appropriately targeted and adequately measured to ensure equitable access across income groups.