Solar panel installation rises in Mayo despite cut in grants

There was 371 grant-assisted solar installations in the first six months of 2024 in Mayo.

Some 176 of these installations took place in the first three months with another 195 installations in the second quarter, which represented an 11% quarterly increase.

Managing Director of EnergyEfficiency.ie James Dorrian said a reduction in the solar PV grant that occurred late last year has not led to a reduction in the number of installations.

“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."

He said the solar panel industry is strong right now and is getting stronger.

“Unlike the stagnation in electric vehicle sales, solar is going from strength to strength, which is fantastic to see.”

Mr Dorrian said he would nevertheless be wary of further reductions in the solar PV grant.

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

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

In the first half of 2024, there were 759 property upgrades in Mayo through Individual Energy Upgrade Grants amounting to €2.09 million in funding.

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.