Chasing the sun inch by Inch for a better future

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A tourism business at a renowned Kerry beauty spot has taken advantage of energy grants to transform itself into a leader in sustainability.

Mahmood Hussain – owner of Inch Beach Holiday Homes and Inch Beach House B&B, and member of the Dingle peninsula’s Tourism and Hospitality Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) – has installed solar panels totalling nearly 100 kilowatts (kW) on buildings around the property.

Since the SEC was started by the Dingle Hub in 2023, Mr Hussain has embraced the opportunity to add a 32kW panel array to his B&B and 8kW panels to each of his other nine holiday properties.

As a result of Mr Hussain’s enthusiastic adoption of solar energy, his business was nominated for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Awards 2025.

“It’s very exciting and it’s nice to see we’re getting some kudos points for our endeavours,” he said ahead of the awards ceremony.

“It’s cost a lot of money, and a lot of thought and work has gone into it.”

The solar panels at the property in Inch. Photo: Mark O’Sullivan

“It’s great encouragement for my team and my children to see what we’ve been doing for the environment is paying off, and we’re getting a bit of gratitude and recognition for it.”

Given the average detached house in Ireland uses around 20kW hours a day, the installations – though admittedly weather dependent – make a huge difference to Mr Hussain’s energy bills while producing zero emissions.

Mr Hussain has been proactive in energy sustainability. He started his journey in 2012, when he took part in the Warmer Homes Scheme, having his properties fitted out with advanced insulation to improve heating efficiency.

Solar panels were the next step and, with the Dingle Hub’s establishment of the SEC, the opportunity presented itself. The SEC allowed local businesses to pool their solar investments and commission companies to install roof-mounted panels at a more affordable price.

Ann Ní Chíobháin, co-ordinator of the SEC, said Mr Hussain was an invaluable member of the energy community and was a good example of the success of their initiative: “He comes to all of our events, he’s been really engaging, and he’s now been nominated for an award.

“He’s a great example of how the SEC has helped locals.”

Wouldn’t the government be better off giving people money to install these methods into their houses than giving it to the EU as a fine?

The community has grown to over 130 members, with a diverse range of businesses engaging in the scheme.

Thirty businesses now have panels installed or are progressing towards installation. Collectively, the members’ panels total 605kW.

The SEC also runs energy efficiency workshops, endeavouring to make local people aware of buildings’ efficiency and where they can harness new technologies.

With the EU’s 2030 green energy targets looming, Mr Hussain is grateful for the government’s work so far, but thinks more should be done to fund projects like his.

“We have targets for 2030 and it’s looking like we’re not going to be able to meet those,” he said. “We’re going to get an astronomical fine from the EU if we don’t.

“Wouldn’t the government be better off giving people money to install these methods into their houses than giving it to the EU as a fine?”