The IFA is considering setting up a new structure to allow farmers and rural communities get a maximum share of the benefits from solar power and other energy projects. It believes farmers have not benefited significantly from the many windfarms built in recent years, generally receiving only ground rental, and that developments have been divisive in rural areas.

The issue is being investigated by a team led by deputy president Tim O’Leary and South Leinster vice-president James Murphy.

The organisation has become concerned that individual farmers are being approached by energy companies in advance of legislative clarity.

“They are jumping the gun,” Tim O’Leary said this week. “There is a white paper coming on energy and it is expected to include solar energy. However, it is not yet in place.”

He said: “We want to avoid the wind outcome.”

The IFA hopes that its involvement will help to restore confidence in renewable energy, win the support of rural areas and help the country reach its EU targets for renewable energy. It has raised the issue with the Government. Any new business would operate on some kind of joint venture arrangement with an existing energy company.

Meanwhile, a solar power project in Co Wexford received planning permission in the past three weeks. It is the first project to do so.