Co Carlow installed more solar panels than the national average

THE installation of solar panels in Co Carlow was above the national average in 2024, increasing an impressive 36% on the previous year, SEAI this week revealed this “major increase in installations” with grant support in the county from 275 installations in 2023 to 397 in 2024 – an increase of 36%.

Nationally, there was a 24% increase in solar PV systems installed, with every county seeing an increase on 2023 figures.

Carlow saw the fifth-highest percentage increase in installations, after Offaly, Mayo, Meath and Kerry. The county with the most installations was Dublin with 6,391, followed by Cork (3,269) and Galway (1,929).

The increase in installations last year came after the maximum SEAI grant for solar panels was reduced in January 2024 by €300 to €2,100. At the beginning this month, the grant was reduced again by €300 to €1,800.

Renewable energy expert Brian Kelly of energyefficiency.ie said that it is extremely promising to see that installations increased across the board last year despite the grant being reduced.

“These new figures from the SEAI show that the demand for solar panels remains strong across the country,” he said.

“Energy costs in Ireland remain among the highest in Europe, resulting in more people looking for ways of slashing their electricity bills.” “Solar panels have many benefits for households – from saving them thousands of euros in energy bills each year and cutting their carbon footprint, to increasing the value of the home.” Mr Kelly said that although installations have increased, the benefits of solar are still overlooked by some people due to our climate.

“A common misconception that persists is that solar panels don’t work unless it’s a clear, sunny day.” “This simply isn’t the case – while direct sunshine does generate more free electricity, solar panels also create a great deal of electricity even on cloudier days.”