Energy Efficiency - October 2024 Update

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Welcome and welcome back to our monthly newsletter from Energy Efficiency Ireland, where we keep you up to date on the latest and best news, products, and guides for all things solar, EVs, and energy efficiency across the board.

It was a big month in November with Budget 2025 released. See what goodies were included there.

In addition, we have some insights into the growth of solar power in Ireland, the cost of electricity across the country, and how you can save money by going green.

Budget 2025

A big month this year with the mega 2025 budget announced at the start of the month. But what was there in this package in terms of goodies and giveaways for solar power, electric cars, heat pumps and more to support the green transition?

Technology

Budget Measures

Heat Pumps

VAT on Heat Pumps slashed from 23% to 9% from January 1, 2025

Electric Vehicles

Benefit in Kind tax exemption for employers installing EV chargers at the homes of employees

Electric Vehicles

The weight carriage ratio for electric commercial vehicles is being changed to enable them to qualify for the VRT rate of €200.

Electric Vehicles

Lower 8% VRT rate for category B commercial vehicles which meet emissions standards of less than 120g per kilometre.

National Electric Grid

€750 million capital injection to upgrade the national electric grid to support the shift to renewables.

“Confidence in our ability to provide a secure, stable, and green energy infrastructure is important to position Ireland for future economic development and investment.”

- Minister for Finance Jack Chambers

Grants for Domestic Solar Panels

Investing in solar panels can be a big expense for homeowners, regardless of the promise that they will pay themselves back many time over. Fortunately, there is direct grant support available to help take some of the cost off your back.

Largest Solar Farm Projects in Ireland

Solar Power is growing at a rapid pace in Ireland, with dozens of solar farms at various other stages of development.

Here are some of the largest solar power developments in the country either already operation, being built, or in the pipeline.

Take just a few minutes of your time to listen and learn about the fundamentals of getting solar panels for your home in Ireland.

How Much Cheaper is it to Drive Electric?

The SEAI has released its updated figures for Q4 2024 on the cost of driving petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles in Ireland to show the savings people can make by switching to an EV.

Ohme Pro Home EV Charger

Enjoy a range of slick smart features including scheduling your EV charging times to avail of the cheapest electricity rates, all in a compact charger which can be controlled directly from its built-in LED display, or remotely via the dedicated app.

How Much Does Your Electricity Cost?

We analysed the average cost of household electricity in Ireland on a county by county basis from 2015 - 2023, showing how prices have risen and fallen since then.

Take a look to see which counties in Ireland have the highest and lowest electricity bills in Ireland, and where your county falls on the list.