Green Limerick: Big jump in solar panel installations last year

NEW DATA has revealed that there was a 27.6% increase in solar panel installations in Limerick in 2024.

The SEAI gathered data shows that 1,170 solar panel installations were carried out in Co Limerick last year, as more households embrace solar energy to cut their energy bills.

The increase in installations last year came despite the maximum SEAI grant for solar panels being reduced in January 2024 by to €2,100 from €2,400.

At the beginning this month, the grant was reduced again by €300 to €1,800.

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Renewable energy expert Briain 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 Ireland,” 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 financial gains, saving them thousands of euros in energy bills each year and cutting their carbon footprint, to increasing the value of the home.

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

There were 29,151 arrays of solar panels installed on homes across Ireland with grants, a jump of 6,441 on the year before.

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.”

The counties with the most installations were Dublin (6,391), Cork (3,269) and Galway (1,929).

Offaly had the highest percentage increase in the country (46%), followed by Mayo, Meath and Kerry.