Who should you trust? Navigating energy information online

The internet has made information about energy more accessible than ever before.

Whether you're researching rooftop solar, reading about battery storage, following debates on electricity infrastructure, or simply scrolling through social media, you're likely to encounter hundreds of opinions, articles, videos and posts every week.

Some of that information is produced by recognised experts. Some comes from journalists, researchers and public bodies. Some is shared by campaign groups, businesses or community organisations. And some comes from anonymous social media accounts with no clear source at all.

The challenge isn't that there is too much information. It's knowing which information deserves your trust.

"In today's digital world, credibility isn't measured by how many people share a post. It's measured by the quality of the evidence behind it." – Priscila Mc Geehan, Director of Communications & Strategy

Not all sources are equal

One of the most important principles of media literacy is recognising that not all sources are created equally.

A social media post may receive thousands of shares, but popularity is not evidence.

Likewise, a professionally produced video, a newspaper headline, or a confident speaker does not automatically make the information accurate.

When reading about energy or climate issues, it helps to consider who produced the information and why.

Ask yourself:

• Is the source clearly identified?
• Does the author have recognised expertise in the subject?
• Are they transparent about where their information comes from?
• Are they presenting evidence, or simply expressing an opinion?

These questions do not automatically determine whether something is true or false, but they provide valuable context for evaluating credibility.

Expertise matters, but so does evidence

Public debate benefits from a wide range of voices, including politicians, journalists, academics, businesses, community groups and members of the public. Everyone has a role to play in discussing Ireland's energy future.

However, regardless of who makes a claim, it should always be assessed against the available evidence.

From time to time, claims about renewable energy receive significant public attention before the supporting evidence has been fully examined. This is why media literacy matters. Rather than accepting or rejecting a claim based on who said it, the same questions should always apply:

• What evidence has been presented?
• Has it been independently verified?
• Does it align with the current scientific consensus?
• Are credible experts in the relevant field reaching similar conclusions?

Media literacy encourages us to evaluate evidence first and personalities second.

Understanding different types of sources

Not every source serves the same purpose.

Academic researchers publish peer-reviewed studies designed to test evidence through rigorous scientific methods.

Government departments and regulators provide official policy, legislation and technical guidance.

Journalists investigate, verify information and present it for public audiences, often drawing on multiple independent sources.

Industry organisations, including Solar Ireland, contribute technical expertise and sector knowledge while advocating on behalf of their members.

Campaign groups play an important role in public debate by raising awareness and highlighting particular issues or perspectives.

Each has a legitimate role. The key is understanding what role they are playing and reading their content with that context in mind.

Look for the original source

One of the simplest ways to assess a claim is to ask where it came from.

Many online posts reference "a report", "a study", or "experts" without providing any details.

Where possible, try to find the original publication rather than relying on summaries, headlines or screenshots shared online.

Original sources often provide important context, explain limitations, and present findings more accurately than second-hand interpretations.

Be cautious of certainty

Energy systems are complex.

Planning, electricity markets, engineering, environmental science and climate policy all involve engineering, economics, environmental science and public policy. There are rarely simple answers, and most decisions involve balancing competing priorities and trade-offs.

For that reason, be cautious of anyone claiming there is a simple answer to every question.

Statements such as "solar always works", "solar never works", "this technology will solve everything", or "this project will destroy everything" are often signs that nuance has been replaced with certainty.

Evidence-based communication tends to acknowledge complexity rather than ignore it.

It's okay not to have an immediate opinion

Social media often creates pressure to react instantly.

But some topics deserve time.

Reading more than one source, comparing different viewpoints, or waiting until more information becomes available is not indecision. It is good critical thinking.

Media literacy is not about becoming an expert in every subject.

It is about becoming more confident in asking questions, recognising credible information, and understanding that informed opinions are built over time.

Building trust through better information

Ireland's energy transition will continue to generate discussion as more homes, farms, businesses and communities adopt renewable technologies.

Open debate is healthy and necessary. But meaningful discussion depends on reliable information, transparent evidence and a willingness to examine claims carefully before accepting or sharing them.

Ultimately, media literacy is not about trusting one source over another. It is about understanding where information comes from, recognising its purpose, and making informed decisions based on evidence rather than assumption.

As conversations around energy continue to grow, knowing how to evaluate information may become one of the most valuable skills any of us can develop.

Media Literacy Series

This article is part of Solar Ireland's Media Literacy series, helping readers navigate information about renewable energy, climate and the energy transition with confidence. Explore our previous articles on spotting misinformation and why media literacy matters, and watch for future features as we continue to build practical skills for informed public discussion.