Number of Laois homes availing of solar panel grants double

The number of homes in Laois that availed of a government grant for solar panels doubled last year.

A new report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows a surge in solar PV installation in the county with 363 grants issued in 2023 up from 184 in 2022. 

There has been an increase in the uptake  of various SEAI schemes including fully funded energy upgrades. There were 86 homes that availed of fully funded energy upgrades in Laois last year, up from 45 in 2022. There were 322 applications granted for the better energy home scheme and 99 applications were granted in the county for the one stop shop service which provides a complete home energy upgrade.

The figures have been welcomed by Portlaoise Local Election Candidate, Rosie Palmer, says that the momentum of growth in home energy upgrades and Solar PV installation in County Laois seen in 2023 is heartening and important, showing that homeowners are embracing the opportunities offered by SEAI schemes.

"I would like to get the message out about this Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme: That it is available to many who are not yet availing of it. There is a focus on deeper home retrofits, with 60% of these homes receiving a deeper upgrade. The average cost per home on this was €25,000. While there is a wait time from application, today’s report shows this is reducing.“

“It’s also important today to focus on the role the LOETB is playing in the training and upskilling of those who are working in the home energy sector. Today’s report highlights the shortage of labour, particularly in specialist areas such as plumbing and heat pump installation. We should be very proud of the contribution of the LOETB's Mount Lucas based, National Construction Training Centre to the upskilling and training of people, so badly needed in this sector. “