Farmers and farm families are being encouraged to be more sustainable and climate conscious on both their farms and in their homes.

However, the Department of the Environment has confirmed that grants for residential solar panels will be cut.

Up until now, consumers have been able to claim grants up to €2,400 to install solar panels in their home. This will be reduced by €300 to €2,100 on 1 January 2024.

Reductions to the grants have been on the cards for quite some time. However, given the Government’s commitment to encourage sustainability, it was hoped that rates would remain the same.

'Astounding'

Labour’s climate spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan said: “It is astounding that at a time when we are acutely aware, as highlighted by the Climate Change Advisory Council, of our looming shortfall in achieving the 2030 emissions targets, Government is diminishing a programme pivotal in reducing emissions.

“The provision of solar energy is not merely an environmental imperative, but an essential tool in alleviating the financial burdens faced by homeowners grappling with skyrocketing utility bills.

“We don’t need cuts, we need an increase in support for homeowners, empowering them to embrace renewable energy solutions like solar.”

Significant uptake

The scheme itself has had a significant uptake since its inception. In 2022, over 10,000 households availed of the grant and it is expected that this number will have doubled by year end.

Somewhere in the region of 1.3 million homes in the country are eligible for solar panels, not just reducing dependency on fossil fuel but also household energy bills.

Farming families interested in installing solar panels need to do their research. Your house may need to be insulated first and you could potentially need planning permission.

If solar panels are something you plan to add to your home in the coming years, it’s advised not to leave it on the long finger as grants will end in 2029.