5 Ways to Increase your House Price in 2024
As the housing crisis enters its umpteenth year, house prices are rising by 9% year-on-year. Despite a severe shortage in housing stock which will take many years to rectify, some properties remain on the market for many months or even years, with no takers. Many of these properties are [...]
Which Counties Have the Highest Electricity Bills?
Budget 2022 saw government subsidies introduced for electricity bills following a spike in energy prices in 2021 which left households paying hundreds more on their annual bills. Two payments of €200 in 2022 and 2023 and a one-off payment of €150 in December 2023 had a substantial effect on [...]
The Importance of Blanket Bog Restoration in Ireland
With environmental issues becoming increasingly important, attempts are being made to return Irish bogs to their natural state, with conservation initiatives like the Active Blanket Bog Restoration Project. Preservation efforts such as this are among the most important environmental initiatives, as blanket bogs act as vital storage containers for [...]
20 of the Biggest Solar Farm projects in Ireland
Solar power is going to play a huge role in the future of the Irish energy industry, with at least 8GW of capacity to be delivered by 2030 according to current targets. This will come through multiple pipelines, from small scale self-consumption in rooftop solar on homes, farms, and [...]
The World’s 20 Most Expensive Buildings – How Sustainable Are They?
Constructing lavish, multi-story casinos, high-end resorts and financial hubs can amount to billions of euros - and many luxury 21st century buildings have been much more expensive than originally planned. In countries like Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China, there seems to be no shortage of funds for extravagant [...]
Solar in the Spoltlight at National Ploughing Championships
The National Ploughing Championships are underway for three days this week, with people flocking from all over the country for competitions and fun, but also to see the latest innovations in technology which can determine the future of Irish farming. Solar power and renewable energy have a big role [...]
5 Bizarre Solar Panel Conspiracy Theories – Debunked
Over 100,000 households in Ireland have now adopted solar energy, marking a significant milestone following a solar boom over the past year. Government incentives such as grants of up to €2,100 and tax reductions have made solar energy much more accessible to homeowners. Media coverage and energy efficiency websites have [...]
Make a One Percent Difference
Ireland is consistently one of the most generous nations in the world – and we are encouraging everyone to come together to show what happens when you give just 1% of your time or money to charity. Energy Efficiency is delighted to join the One Percent Difference campaign with [...]
Solar Panels as a Financial Investment
There are many different ways to invest money in Ireland, but when looking at the returns on savings accounts, shares, or government bonds, people should also consider the value of home upgrades. Installing solar panels on a home can deliver substantial immediate savings on electricity bills, continue to deliver [...]
Comparing Solar PV Per Capita across Europe
The key takeaways: Germany's solar capacity is set to rise to 88.9 GW in 2024 The United Kingdom is falling behind on a solar PV per capita basis The Netherlands has the highest PV capacity per inhabitant in the EU Solar [...]
What is a BER Cert – Understanding the Building Energy Rating
A Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate is a measure of a property’s energy efficiency graded on a scale. It is meant to allow homeowners and prospective buyers to compare the energy performance of similar buildings. The better the BER, which comes on a scale of A - G, the [...]
Greater Ambition Needed in Public EV Charging County Targets
Nationwide target of 169,253kW of EV Charging capacity by 2025 and 562,244kW by 2030 in Towns and Neighbourhoods. Cork County and Dublin City have the highest overall targets for publicly available EV charging stations. Fingal has the lowest target for publicly available EV charging capacity per capita, [...]
Which Counties Install the Most Solar Panels Per Capita?
Dublin has among the lowest solar installation rates per capita in Ireland. Only 1 county in the "sunny southeast" makes the top 5. Three Ulster counties are included in bottom 5. Despite a reduction in SEAI grants at the beginning of 2024, [...]
Solar Underfloor Heating
The cold winter months in Ireland are costly for many Irish households, with the price of heating oil and electricity causing problems for many as they try to heat their homes. It is well documented how solar PV panels and solar thermal panels can be used to generate free [...]
New European Solar Academy to train 100,000 workers in solar industry
The European Comission has launched the 'European Solar Academy' which is designed to address a labour and skills gap. The first in a series of EU Academies under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZ), the Solar Academy aims to train 100,000 workers in the solar PV value chain over the [...]
Solar Power in Transportation
Renewable energy from solar panels is becoming an increasingly popular way for homeowners to reduce their reliance on the grid by generating their own electricity. It is also taking off as a large scale source of energy to replace fossil fuels such as gas and oil. Residential, Commercial, and [...]
6.8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023
The key takeaways: Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 6.8% in 2023 Power generation emissions decreased by 21.6% Residential emissions decreased by 7.1% Agriculture emissions decreased by 4.6% Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 6.8% in 2023, reaching their lowest level in three decades [...]
New ID.7 models are Volkswagen’s longest range EVs to date
Volkswagen has launched four new and improved models in its top of the line ID.7 electric car range with longer-lasting batteries, including the dynamic GTX and the upgraded Pro S ranges. The GTX and GTX Tourer are the most powerful electric vehicles currently available from Volkswagen, adding a sporty [...]
Solar Power continues to smash monthly records
June was another breakthrough month for solar power in Ireland, with grid-scale solar farms breaking record outputs once again. Grid-scale solar power output reached a new high of 110GWh in June according to provisional data from EirGrid, accounting for 4.36% of all electricity generated last month. This shattered the [...]
Understanding Solar Panel Specifications
Solar Panels come with a lot of information about their performance, durability, and electrical specifications which are extremely important for ensuring that your solar PV array is compatible with the home or business it’s attached to. These data sheets, while beyond useful for installers, contain a lot of technical [...]
The Future of Solar Panels in 5 Predictions
Photovoltaic solar panels have taken a strong foothold in Ireland and across the world, with governments incentivising their citizens to make the switch to the renewable energy source in an attempt to decrease global CO2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. The green [...]
Significant drop in new EV Cars Registered in 2024
The number of new electric car registrations is down 25% so far this year compared with the first half of 2023 figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show. There have been 10,747 new electric cars registered in Ireland in the first six months of the year, [...]
Circle K signs deal with EDF Renewables to power chain with Solar Energy
Circle K has signed a deal with EDF Renewables to power all of their locations in Ireland with solar power starting this Autumn. The petrol station and convenience store owner operates 168 locations in Ireland, all of which will be powered by solar energy, along with their EV Charging [...]
EV Charging Infrastructure for Planned M20 Cork-Limerick Motorway
The proposed M20 Cork to Limerick Motorway will have Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure built into the design according to the latest plans. Plans are advancing for the construction of an M20 motorway connecting Cork and Limerick cities, along with associated active travel and sustainable driving infrastructure. The [...]
Oxford PV Unveils Solar Module with Record-Breaking 26.9% Efficiency
A new solar panel created by Oxford PV has smashed all records by achieving an unprecedented 26.9% efficiency. The solar module is the latest development in perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell technology from the pioneer in next generation solar technology. The 60 cell solar panel is sized for [...]
ESB Slashes Rates on Public EV Charging Network
ESB eCars have reduced the tariffs for all of their public charging stations across the country by up to 13%, as well as restructuring their overstay fees. The ESB operates the largest network of public charging stations for electric vehicles in Ireland, with more than 1,600 charge points nationwide. [...]
Shannon Airport plans 5.5 acre Solar Farm
Shannon Airport is investing in renewable energy with plans for a 5.5 acre solar farm to produce its own green electricity. The plans consist of ground mounted solar panels covering an area of 2.25ha on the south-west side of the airfield. When operational the solar farm will [...]
Demand for Home Solar Panels Surges in 2024
Solar panels continue to be the most in demand home upgrade from the SEAI with a 51% increase in solar PV installations in the first three months of 2024. There were 6,005 solar PV installations carried out on Irish homes with the assistance of SEAI grants in the first [...]
Go Ahead for 55MW Carlow Solar Farm
Neoen Renewables has received approval from An Bord Pleanala for an 55MW solar farm in County Carlow. The developer has been granted planning permission for a solar farm on land at Baungephlure and Friarstown, Killerig, Co. Carlow, roughly 6km to the east of Carlow Town. The solar [...]
A Guide for Insulating Solid Walls
There are many buildings in Ireland which still feature solid masonry walls rather than cavity walls, and these come with unique considerations when it comes to having insulation installed. The majority of houses and other buildings in Ireland are built with cavity walls, which feature an empty cavity space [...]
Holy Solar – Knock Shrine installs Solar Panels
Ireland's most famous religious destination, Knock Shrine, is embracing a sustainable future with the installation of solar panels. Solar PV panels installed on the roof of the Basilica at Knock are the latest in a number of energy efficiency improvements made to the pilgrimage site. Fr Richard [...]
High-efficiency Coloured Solar Panels for Buildings
If aesthetics is something that has ever made you reluctant to get solar panels installed, with their black silhouette which can stand out so prominently from a building, that concern may become a thing of the past. A team of researchers from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems [...]
What are PERC Solar Cells
PERC solar cells, standing for either Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell or Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact, are a type of solar cell design which is meant to tackle some of the issues which limit the efficiency of traditional solar panels. Solar panels incorporating PERC technology have been able [...]
Waterland Ireland adds two energy-tech companies to portfolio
Dutch private equity firm Waterland Ireland has added two energy technology businesses to its Irish portfolio of businesses focused on decarbonisation. The firm acquired a majority stake in Kildare-based Caldor Solar, which specialises in solar panel installations, and Zetta Home Services, specialising in heat pumps. The deals are part of [...]
What Can Go Wrong With Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity Wall Insulation is a popular and cost effective way to retrofit homes to make them more energy efficient. However, understanding potential problems is an important part of choosing the best ways to insulate your home. As cavity wall insulation goes inside the fabric of the building it is far [...]
Smart Meters “Malfunctioning” – What You Need to Know
The Ceann Comhairle recently joked that it "appears that smart meters are not that smart" after reports in the media that thousands of them were "malfunctioning", giving homeowners across Ireland inflated bills. The problems seem to have arisen due to connectivity issues stemming from weak mobile signals, and the [...]
Stairway to Heaven – Could Solar Panels Power a Space Elevator?
An elevator from Earth to Space sounds like something right out of a science fiction film. It seems like an impossibility – something an imaginative child might conjure up for a class project on the cosmos. And the sci-fi-esqueness of a space elevator only increases the more you think about [...]
Can Solar Power Melt Steel?
When we think of the sun the first things that come to mind are light, fire, and heat. With that in mind, it might be strange to consider that when we make use of the sun, it’s mostly for producing electricity rather than finding some way to take advantage of [...]
Elgin Energy secures approval for 4.2MW solar farm
Elgin Energy Services Ltd has retained approval for a 4.2MW solar farm which will be built in County Cavan. The developer secured permission from Cavan County Council and An Bord Pleanála for renewed planning approval for a solar farm on a 14.7ha site at Carrickabane, Finnea in southeast County [...]
Mineral Wool v Fibreglass: Which is the Better Insulation
Fibreglass and Mineral Wool Insulation are two commonly used insulation materials in Irish households, but which is the better choice for anyone considering home improvement works? Fibreglass and Mineral Wool are often used as interchangeable terms, with products described as glass mineral wool or glass wool. The difference between older [...]
Solar Power Generation Hit All-time Monthly Peak in May
May was a powerful month for solar power in Ireland as the sector reached its highest ever recorded figure on the national grid. Provisional data from Eirgrid shows that grid-scale solar produced 71,731 MWh (megawatt hours) of electricity in May 2024, up from 61,082 MWh in the same period in [...]
Warm Attic v Cold Attic – Different Ways to Insulate an Attic
Attic insulation is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. There are two main ways to insulate an attic, at the ceiling level or the rafter level. Choosing between the two will affect what insulation material is used, the installation process, [...]
Solar Panel prices fell by 50% in 2023 ITRPV report states
The average cost of solar panels dropped dramatically last year, with the price at the end of 2023 down 50% compared with the previous year according to the latest International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV). The 15th edition of the ITRPV was published this week with contributions from 50 international [...]
Bifacial Solar Panels – All You Need to Know
Improving the efficiency of solar panels is an ongoing process, with manufacturers constantly investing in new materials and technologies which will let them use as much solar energy as possible. Bifacial solar panels are a type of PV module which captures sunlight on both their front and rear faces, increasing [...]
Understanding U-Values & R-Values
There’s a lot of technical jargon that gets thrown around when talking about the performance of insulation and windows when it comes to retaining heat. When getting insulation installed or burying it online you’ll likely see and hear references to different values, in particular U-values and R-values. Both of these [...]
Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 could power up to 850,000 homes in Ireland
A planning application is expected to be lodged by SSE Airtricity this week for an offshore wind farm which could power up to 850,000 homes a year. SSE Airtricity intends to seek approval from An Bord Pleanála for its Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 off the coast of Wicklow. [...]
Warmest May on Record in Ireland – But What About Sunshine?
Ireland experienced the warmest May on record last month, with an average temperature of 13.08°C according to Met Éireann. There was also a lack of sunshine throughout much of the month, with some weather stations recording the dullest May in a decade. It was 2.53°C warmer than the 1961-1990 long [...]
Greenore Port vision for support base for Offshore Wind in the Irish Sea
Greenore Port Unlimited is seeking approval to build a support base for offshore wind developments on the Irish Sea in Louth. The company, which is the owner and operator of the port located at the southern end of Carlingford Lough, wants to redevelop the port facilities to cater for [...]
42% of Ireland’s Electricity Generated By Renewables in 2023
42% of Ireland’s electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2023 according to EirGrid. EirGrid published its annual report for 2023 this week detailing the growth of renewables last year, and outlining the plan to reach 2030 goals of 80% capacity from green energy sources. Wind energy is still [...]
Solar panels could increase carbon efficiency of small Irish farms
Could solar panels be a viable option for small farmers in Ireland to improve the carbon efficiency of their farms? Despite small farms representing a small percentage of the agri-sector's overall emissions, solar panels could have a great impact on their greenhouse gas efficiency – with added benefits on top. [...]
How Much Roof Space do Solar Panels Need?
Before getting started on installing a solar PV system in Ireland, you need to know just how much roof space you have available for solar panels before you start making further decisions. A typical array of 10 solar panels on a rooftop would take up around 20m², while 12 [...]
5 Things to Know About Solar Panels
In Ireland, solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular way for homeowners to offset rising electricity costs, while also making a positive contribution to the health of the planet. But despite solar power's rising popularity, many are still unsure about whether to make the initial investment in a PV [...]
New Strategy for Delivering EV Charging Network Across Ireland
The government is seeking public input on a new draft plan to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in local areas. The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan will be focused on building out public charging stations in cities towns and villages around the country. The government [...]
Ireland set to miss emissions targets by some distance
Ireland is on course to miss its legally binding target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 51% by 2030 by some distance, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.The EPA has projected a reduction of up to 29% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, well below the goal set out [...]
New Support Scheme to benefit Small-Scale Solar Power Producers
Smaller scale solar producers such as community groups and businesses are set to receive greater financial incentives under new government plans. The second phase of the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) offers more lucrative export prices for solar and wind energy schemes between 50kW and 6MW. This is [...]
Majority of Irish Households Considering Having Solar Panels Installed
The vast majority of Irish households are seriously interested in having residential solar panels installed, but the high price point is still a barrier for many. A survey of 2,955 Irish households by EnergyEfficiency.ie found that solar power is universally viewed positively by the Irish public, and that the majority [...]
Electric Ireland Smart Meter Plans – Which is Right For You?
With more than half of Irish households currently fitted out with a smart electricity meter, many homeowners may be wondering if switching to a smart electricity plan is right for them. In short, whether a smart tariff would save you money depends on your current plan and your electricity [...]
Advantages of Solar Panels
With the high cost of electricity in Ireland and the negative impact fossil fuels are having on the climate, homeowners across Ireland are installing solar panels in their droves. While the initial costs might seem expensive, the many advantages of having solar panels ensure that they are more than worth [...]
Green light for 60MW Phase 2 Mothel Solar Farm
A 60MW solar farm is planned for construction near Carrick-on-Suir Waterford, with An Bord Pleanála giving the project the green light. The proposed Mothel Phase 2 Solar Farm will be built on a 141 hectare site approximately 4.4km south of Carrick-on-Suir. When operational, the solar farm will generate 56,000MWh of [...]
Solar Farms in Space Could Help Solve Energy Crisis
Space based solar farms could one day deliver an endless supply of green energy to the earth and help make the transition to a zero carbon future. Research at Queen’s University Belfast has demonstrated how solar satellites could one day be used to relay energy from the sun 24/7. In [...]
Are Solar Panels Recyclable?
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels have a long lifespan, with most panels lasting between 25 and 30 years before they begin to decrease in efficiency. But what happens when they finally lose their ability to produce AC electricity? After around 3 decades, you'll have to dispose of your solar panels. Luckily, [...]
Energy Efficiency Grants for the Islands
The SEAI provides grant funding to help homeowners in Ireland with the cost of making their houses and apartments more energy efficient. Living on one of Ireland’s many offshore islands can make a lot of things more expensive, not the least of which is getting contractors out to perform [...]
How to Save Money on Energy with Solar
With rising energy prices across the world, homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in learning more about how to save money with solar panels, and Irish households are no different. As well as being a great way to offset your carbon footprint, installing solar panels can greatly reduce sky-high electricity [...]
Free Solar Panels for Schools in Ireland
Schools across the country are or soon will be able to get solar panels installed for free as part of the newly announced Solar for Schools Programme Solar for Schools will provide funding for eligible schools to have up to 6kWp worth of roof-mounted solar panels and inverters installed, along [...]
Solar Planning Permission
With more and more people becoming interested in installing solar panels, homeowners may be wondering if they need planning permission for solar PV panels in Ireland. The good news is that the vast majority of people do not need planning permission to have solar panels installed on their property in [...]
Which Direction Should Solar Panels Face in Ireland
When having solar panels installed on your property, you must first decide which direction they should be facing in order to best take advantage of the sun. In Ireland, south facing solar panels will provide the most electricity throughout the day. This is because here in the Northern Hemisphere, [...]
Split planning decision for 170MW Midlands Solar Farm
Plans for a 170MW solar farm in the midlands have received a split decision from An Bord Pleanála, with only part of the development granted approval to go ahead. Derrycarney Solar Limited sought permission for a solar farm on a 247 hectare site to the west of Tullamore Co. Offaly. [...]
Electric Car Prices Kept High in Europe by Lack of Battery Production
The cost of batteries in Europe needs to fall drastically in order to make electric cars more affordable in a struggling market. A report by the European Court of Auditors has said that the transport industry is struggling to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and that electric vehicles are the [...]
Environmental Impacts of Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps allow homes and businesses to generate heat from renewable energy sources, tackling a major source of Ireland’s carbon emissions and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to gas or oil heating. Heating accounts for nearly 40% of all energy use in Ireland, with the heating in the residential [...]
Launch of Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme offering homeowners up to €75,000
A much anticipated energy efficiency loan scheme offering low interest loans of up to €75,000 for homeowners to carry out upgrades which will make their homes warmer and cheaper to run has been launched by the government. The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is a first of its [...]
Best Electricity Providers for EV Charging Ireland
The main difference between fuel powered cars of the past and the electric cars which are the future is electricity – otherwise, electric vehicles (EVs) look almost identical to their petrol or diesel guzzling cousin. Most electric vehicle owners will opt to install their own AC Level 2 [...]
AC v DC Electric Vehicle Charging
Speed is one of the biggest things people think about in relation to charging an electric car. Just how fast will this charger work? This is an important question since it is impractical to spend two or more hours at a public charging station just to get a slight top [...]
Best EV Chargers in Ireland 2024
Almost 23,000 new electric vehicles were registered in Ireland in 2023 and the rise is expected to continue over the next few years as EVs become cheaper and more models become available on the Irish market. There are a number of benefits of electric vehicles including their environmental friendliness and [...]
Best EV Dealerships in Ireland Honoured at Annual Awards
Dozens of EV car dealers have been recognised for encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles in Ireland in the 2024 ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Award. Now in their third year, the annual awards were held at the SEAI Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin. Fitzpatrick's Garage [...]
New study shows Irish homeowners will switch oil boilers for heat pumps
The SEAI has launched two new reports today on the uptake of heat pumps, coinciding with the SEAI Energy Show 2024 at the RDS this week. The SEAI estimates that roughly 250,000 oil-heated Irish homes are ready for heat pumps in terms of their airtightness and existing insulation. Installers [...]
Petrol Stations Required to Show EV Price Comparison
Fuel pump operators are now being required to display a price comparison poster which shows how petrol and diesel cars compare with electric vehicles. Petrol station operators with three or more fuel pumps must display the comparison poster supplied by the SEAI or face a fine. The Fuel Price [...]
€21m investment in high-speed EV chargers for motorway network
Ireland’s EV Charger infrastructure will be getting a huge boost over the next two years with a €21 million fund to install new high-speed chargers along the country’s motorway network. Minister Eamon Ryan announced the grant scheme with the goal of having a pool of high-speed chargers every [...]
Top 5 selling electric cars in Ireland
Electric Cars and other electric vehicles are growing share of the motor market in Ireland as the country. If you are considering buying electric car in Ireland, consider the top 5 selling electric cars. Electric Cars in Ireland While diesel and petrol vehicles remain the [...]
The History of Solar Power
Solar Power has been going through an unprecedented boom in the past few years as the climate crisis makes people turn towards renewable energy with a new urgency. But it’s not as though this is a new phenomenon. In one form or another humans have long been fascinated by [...]
Jargon Busters
Installing a solar PV panel system in your home is a big investment and it seems like you have to learn a whole new language in even thinking about having one installed. We’ve rounded up some of the generally used terms, so you can understand the basics and shop [...]
The Energy Efficiency 2024 Solar Panel Guide
2023 saw soaring demand for solar power in Ireland, both in homes and at a larger utility-scale, as people grappled with high energy prices, and the government introduced ever more support to help people move to renewable energy. Positive trends have been seen in greater public awareness and adoption of [...]
New record set for wind power generation in 2023
The fossil fuel industry lost out on almost €1 billion last year – with an additional €300 million saved on carbon credits – as a new record was set for wind power generation in Ireland. Wind farms provided some 35% of the island of Ireland's electricity, totalling a record-breaking [...]
Yuno Energy cuts electricity rates for second time in January
New electricity provider Yuno Energy has announced that it is cutting its rates for new customers once again, the third price reduction announced by the electricity provider since November. The new unit rate is 27.39 cent per kWh, which is fixed for a year and 5.4% less than its [...]
AC vs DC Electricity for Solar Energy
Photovoltaic solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular way to power homes and businesses across Ireland. They work by converting the limitless energy from the sun into electricity which can be used to power household appliances, thus reducing energy bills while making a positive contribution to the environment. If you [...]
Rate of delivery must keep up to achieve ambitious energy targets, SEAI report warns
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published a report which explores the potential impact of Government policies on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland from 2022 to 2030. The National Energy Projections 2023 Report warns that the current scale and pace of delivery mean it is [...]
Solar Panels vs. Wind Turbines: Which Is Better for Ireland
With conventional electricity prices still at a high point, and with an increasingly environmentally conscious public, people and businesses are more and more looking for ways to invest in renewable energy. There are multiple options for clean renewable energy sources, but the two most commonly used in Ireland are wind [...]
Make your Business Carbon Neutral
Businesses across Ireland and around the world are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their actions, and how they are positively or negatively contributing to Earth's changing climate. Solar panels for business grants and other incentives for eco-friendly practices have meant that many are now taking steps [...]
Energy Efficiency loans of up to €75,000 for Irish homeowners
Irish homeowners will be able to borrow between €5,000 and €75,000 with significantly lower interest rates for energy upgrades under a new agreement between the Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The €500 million first-of-its-kind scheme will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in [...]
Solar Panels Insurance Ireland
Solar panels are a great investment for homeowners in Ireland as they will save you money on your energy bills. As a renewable energy source, solar power also has fantastic benefits for the environment and will help you offset your carbon footprint. As any big purchase which costs thousands [...]
Going off the Grid in Ireland with Solar Panels
Off-grid living is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland for a number of reasons, including the affordability and efficiency of renewable energy systems including home solar panels. With the reduced cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and wind turbines over recent years, it has never been more feasible. People are choosing [...]
What is an NC6 Form?
There can be a lot of paperwork associated with having solar panels installed. Grant applications, BER assessments, and possibly planning documents. One bit of paperwork that people might not have heard of until recently is the NC6 Form, and so they might not know what it’s for. This form is [...]
Electricity Providers in Ireland
Ireland has a number of electricity providers, each with a different history and each offering different rates – which can often change from year to year. Because of this, homeowners and businesses looking for the best electricity provider in Ireland can feel like the search is somewhat of a [...]
Solar Power and Electric Vehicles
If you have an electric car or vehicle, then it can be expensive to charge with the price of electricity these days. If you’re looking for a way to save money, and reduce your carbon footprint, then you might consider using solar power. In order to charge your electric vehicle [...]
Home Power Station for Electric Cars
Home power station for electric cars The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has reached incredible new heights over the past decade. Many of those who have already made the switch from petrol or diesel powered cars to EVs are now considering installing an electric car charging station at home, which [...]
Top 5 Environmental Benefits of Solar Panels
The cost saving benefits of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are clear for anyone who has a solar system installed on their home, but what about the environmental benefits of solar energy? Let's look at five environmental benefits of installing solar panels in more detail. 1. Solar Panels Slow Down Climate [...]
Solar Panels for Campervans
Photovoltaic solar panels are most commonly associated with homes, due to the fact that in Ireland, rooftops are the most common place to mount a solar panel system. However, harnessing the limitless energy of the sun is not confined to rooftops on buildings. One of the less common locations on [...]
Solar PV vs Solar Thermal
There are two main types of solar power systems which you can install on your property, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, or solar thermal collectors. These provide different types of energy for your home, come at different costs, and will net you different savings over time. So which then is [...]
Why the North Pole’s new Solar Project Could be a Beacon for Ireland
A major new solar panel project not far from the North Pole, which is deprived of sunlight for months on end, could inspire similar projects in other regions which are presumed to have less than ideal conditions for solar power – like the west of Ireland. Norway is known [...]
Solar Panels Payback Period
Solar panels are a great way of reducing rising energy bills and making a positive contribution to the environment. It's therefore no surprise that a solar revolution of sorts is underway across Ireland and Europe, with the number of solar panels being installed on homes rising exponentially each year. [...]
How Solar Panels Affect Home Insurance
Solar panels are a fantastic long-term investment, as they are environmentally friendly, they slash energy bills and can add value to the price of your house. The initial investment in solar panels may seem costly, with a PV system in Ireland typically ranging from €4,000 to €12,000, with a [...]
Solar Energy Trends in Ireland
Solar power represents a small but rapidly growing share of Ireland’s renewable energy sector, with more solar power developments coming online or in the works, both in terms of large scale solar farms, and microgeneration of electricity through solar panels on homes and businesses. There’s good reason to [...]
Solar Panels With No Upfront Cost
Solar panels are a significant investment, costing homeowners a lot of money here and no, with the promise of making massive savings on your electricity bills, especially once they have been paid off. The cost of a solar PV array can be even greater for businesses and industries which have [...]
Will Solar Energy Get More Efficient in the Future?
There has been a rapid growth in solar panels in many countries across the world in recent years, including here in Ireland. Factors such as increasing electricity bills and global warming have contributed to the meteoric rise of solar PV panels in Ireland and globally. While the many benefits of [...]
Solar VAT Reduction 2023
The price of installing a solar panel system has reduced significantly for Irish households over the past decade, with grants and incentives being introduced to accelerate the country's transition to green energy. Planning permission has been removed for the vast majority of homeowners who wish to go solar, and SEAI [...]
Solar Adoption Rates in Ireland Q1 2023
There has been a massive surge in the number of people having domestic solar PV installed on their homes in Ireland in recent months, with a number of factors driving that surge. While figures aren’t available for everyone who has had solar panels installed on their homes, what we [...]