Ireland's biggest photovoltaic solar panel project is now complete.

Nine public buildings throughout County Tipperary have been fitted out with massive solar panel arrays totalling 800 panels.

The buildings include fire stations, libraries, civic offices and a leisure centre.

As a result of the project by Tipperary County Council, Ireland's total PV capacity has been increased by 44%.

The main difference between photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels is that PV directly converts the sun's light into electricity. Solar thermal panels heat hot water from the sun's energy. PV systems have some significant advantages over solar water heating systems in that they are easier to design, install, operate and maintain.

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Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council, said: "Tipperary County Council will continue to prioritise energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption in our buildings and facilities throughout the county. We are already some six years ahead of schedule and expect to achieve our 2020 target in 2014.

"Working with the Tipperary Energy Agency and others, our focus for the remainder of this decade will remain on energy efficiency and renewable energy in the homes, communities and businesses across County Tipperary."

The investment in renewable energy will see average savings of 11% on electricity costs for Tipperary County Council. 50% of this project investment has been funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

(CD/JP)