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- Energy Efficiency - March 2025 Update
Energy Efficiency - March 2025 Update
Briain Kelly
March 11, 2025
Hi ,
Despite the uncertain outlook for the future, there have been some promising signs for the green economy in the early months of 2025.
Electric car sales have continued to surge in the new year, and there has never been a better time than now to invest in solar panels for your home.
That said, some worrying projections have been made about the current trajectory of Ireland’s climate targets, which could come with a heavy bill if we don’t take action.
Read on below for more tips, guides, and news about renewable energy and home energy efficiency.
Buy Solar Now and Buy Big
The perfect storm of conditions has made right now the best time to buy solar panels in Ireland, and when you do, it just makes more sense to go all in and buy big rather than dip your toes in the water.
Record low prices for solar panels, high electricity prices, and the high cost of labour make larger solar PV systems an unbeatable investment in Ireland right now.
Cut Through the Jargon
A lot of technical terms get thrown around when talking about solar panels, with manufacturers proudly boasting of their efficiency levels, temperature coefficients, and more gibberish sounding specifications.
If you’re interested in getting solar panels, then sit down with our primer for some of the technical terms you’ll see thrown around.
Bumper Month for Electric Car Sales
The strong start to the year in electric car sales continued last month, with sales of battery electric cars up 36% compared with 2024.
Data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry showed more than two and a half thousand new electric cars registered in Ireland last month, amazing growth in a month when new car sales slumped overall.
Quick Guide to the Costs and Benefits of Solar PV
Should I Get a Solar Batter or a Power Diverter?
There are multiple ways to further boost the utility of your solar panels, and two of the most popular methods are by getting either a solar battery or a solar power diverter.
One stores surplus solar power to be used later, and the other uses excess power to generate hot water with the immersion.
Which of these is the better choice? You’ll have to read on and decide for yourself.
Cash in the Attic? Good Insulation is Just as Valuable
A well-insulated home will make a world of difference to your comfort and your wallet, creating a cosier home and saving money on heating bills.
One of the simplest ways to get started on improving your home insulation is in the attic.
Heat rises after all, and between that and ease of access, attic insulation is often the most cost-effective and straightforward form of home insulation you can get.
High Cost of Missing Climate Goals
While EV sales, solar panel installation, and more are all growing steadily, Ireland is falling behind its legally binding climate targets.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has produced a report advising that the country could face a bill of up to €26 billion if we fall short of our emissions reductions and other climate targets by 2030, and we’re coming up short.
Some of the investments proposed by the report to close that gap include:
€7 billion to expand and improve the electricity grid beyond current plans to make it more resilient.
€4 billion targeted to lower the cost of electric vehicles to under €15,000 and expand charging networks.
€1 billion to support forestry and rewetting of peatlands
Expand Solar PV Grant Scheme
The domestic solar panel grant scheme has been cut for the past two years in a row, already losing €600, or a quarter of its value, from the peak of €2,400. The scheme is due to be axed entirely in 2029.
While the government claims that falling costs make the domestic grant less necessary, this is a backwards stance to take when we need to be encouraging the rapid growth of renewable energy wherever it can be found.
Read more about how and why the government needs to expand solar PV incentives.
