New data has revealed that 34 homes across Laois installed solar panels in January with grant support from the SEAI, after a record-breaking year for installations in 2024.
The first month of the year saw €66,525 awarded under the Solar PV Scheme to Laois households, with a total of €4.6 million awarded in residential solar grants across Ireland.
In 2024, a total of 526 solar installations were carried out in the county, an increase of 154 on the year before.
Nationally, there were 2,324 new solar installations in January, with the highest number recorded in Dublin (433), followed by Cork (264) and Limerick.
After the residential solar grant was reduced by €300 at the start of January, solar energy expert Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie has warned of the potential negative impact these reductions could have on the adoption of solar PV.
“There are different grants available for solar, but the most well-known is the Solar PV Scheme which currently offers homeowners up to €1,800 for rooftop panels,” Mr Kelly said.
“Just two years ago, this grant scheme awarded a maximum of €2,400 – and it is the currently the only programme under threat as it continues to be reduced by €300 each year.
“The reason the government has given for this is the declining cost of solar PV installations – a trend which they evidently expect to continue.
“However, this goes against common sense given Ireland’s target of generating 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030 – and it also ignores the potentially significant psychological benefits of grants on solar adoption numbers.”
Meanwhile, Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin has encouraged Laois schools to apply for the Solar for Schools Programme before the deadline of Friday, March 7.
The scheme provides eligible schools with a 6 kilowatt peak of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels.
Councillor Bergin said: “The Solar for Schools Programme offers an opportunity for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs, as well as providing useful daily data to schools and students on their consumption.
“There has been strong take up of this scheme since it began, and 61 schools have progressed to tender stage for solar panels in Laois.
“My colleague the Minister for Education Helen McEntee has extended the deadline for schools to apply to Friday 7th March, and I strongly encourage all remaining Laois schools to get their applications in.
“The new Department of Education online platform, School Hub, will make the application process as streamlined as possible for schools.”
Councillor Bergin continued: “There are wider benefits for Laois to this Programme.
“The solar PV panels in schools are being connected to the electricity grid, so that solar energy can power other homes and businesses when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.”
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