Laois sees 26% increase in solar panel installations

Laois has seen a significant increase in the installation of solar panels despite the reduction in the solar PV grant at the start of this year.

New figures from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) reveal that there were 231 new grant assisted solar installations in Laois during the first six months of 2024, with a 26% increase in installations between April and June (129) compared to 102 between January and March.

The first six months of this year saw 13,498 PV systems installed across Ireland with grant support, according to statistics published by the SEAI.

In the first half of 2024, the SEAI provided €54,737,280 for home upgrades through Individual Energy Upgrade Grants.

In County Laois, there were 354 property upgrades, amounting to €850,290.

These grants cover solar PV and solar thermal panels, heat pumps, insulation, and heating controls.

There were over 21,500 recipients of Individual Energy Upgrade Grants in Ireland, of which 13,498 were for solar PV panels.

Grants were paid to 1,769 households for heat pumps, 5,326 for attic insulation and 1,003 for external wall insulation.

Commenting on the solar PV figures for the first half of 2024, Managing Director of EnergyEfficiency.ie James Dorrian said the situation is promising.

“There were concerns that the grant reduction would have an effect on solar installation figures – however these figures show that demand remains strong as homeowners look to slash their electricity bills,” he said.

“Before Christmas, some government TDs were critical of the "perplexing" move to reduce the maximum grant to €2,100.”

“Of course, it's impossible to know the true impact of the grant reduction, but the figures are promising."

“Unlike the stagnation in electric vehicle sales, solar is going from strength to strength, which is fantastic to see – and long may it continue!”

Mr Dorrian said that while the Q2 figures are positive, he would be concerned about the effect of further reductions.

“The Government plans to cut the grant by €300 each year until it's gone. But we'd advise caution – as this incentive has clearly worked to date.”

“And our own research shows that even more could be done to publicize these grants, as many people are still unaware they even exist.”