Solar panels gifted to ‘Dublin’s Father Christmas’ to power thousands of lights

Known as the ‘Father Christmas of Finglas’, Dylan Walsh has become well-known across Dublin over the past 10 years for his dazzling festive displays in aid of vital local charities.

The Dublin man has once again transformed his home into a wonderful festive attraction this year – but this time with a sustainable twist with the addition of eight solar panels.

For the past 10 years, Dylan’s festive wonderland has brought joy to his neighbourhood of Finglas in Dublin, and he has raised around €55,000 for charities over the past five years alone.

This year the display, consisting of thousands of lights, is being powered by solar energy for the first time thanks to Electric Ireland, who gifted and installed eight solar panels and a home battery system for Dylan, as well as €3,000 towards the fundraiser.

The solar panels will power thousands of Christmas lights, reducing Dylan’s electricity bills throughout the year, and allowing him to put more money towards his annual fundraiser.

Speaking about the initiative, Dylan said: “I am so grateful to Electric Ireland for supporting me and making the display more sustainable. The solar panels and battery system will now power the lights and allow me to focus on raising funds for charity.”

“It’s wonderful to see how something as simple as Christmas lights can bring people together for a good cause, and put a smile on their face.”

Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie explained that the eight solar panels with a solar battery will save Dylan around €900 each year on electricity costs, while also reducing his carbon footprint.

“The solar panel installation on Dylan’s rooftop could reduce his carbon footprint by over 1,000 kg per year,” explained Mr Kelly, “A tree captures around 25kg of CO2, so his new solar installation is the equivalent of planting around 40 trees per year.”

“Electric Ireland gifting the solar panels goes beyond Dylan’s carbon savings though – it also promotes the benefits of solar PV to a wider audience in the local community, with more people likely to consider going solar because of this positive publicity.”

“Dublin currently has the lowest rate of solar installations per capita in the country, so this initiative is a great idea and can only be a positive step.”