Solar Grant Update 2026: What's actually happening

Another solar grant reduction seemed inevitable - until a quiet decision reversed what most thought was already set in stone

Author

Briain Kelly
November 26, 2025

Inside this Edition:

  • Where is the Best Place to Put a Solar Battery?

  • What’s Happening with the Solar Panel Grants in 2026

  • Don’t Disturb the Fairy Trees - Preserving Ireland’s Storied Past for the Present

  • What Strength EV Charger Do I Need?

  • How to Read Your Electricity Meter

Tens of thousands of homes are getting solar panels every year. See how much you can save with a quote from Ireland’s top installers - check their prices now.

Where is the Best Place to Put a Solar Battery?

If you are thinking of getting a solar battery for your home, either because you already have solar panels or because you’re going to get them, there are multiple questions to ask yourself.

One that might not have occurred is where to put the battery. There are multiple locations in or outside a home that might be suitable for a solar battery, with pros and cons to all of them.

The Best Place to put a Solar Battery - Energy Efficiency

So you’ve decided to get a solar battery for your home to get the most out of your solar panels. But now you need to decide where to place the things.

energyefficiency.ie/blog/best-place-for-a-solar-battery

No Change to Solar Panel Grants in 2026

The hugely popular SEAI solar PV grant will not be slashed in 2026 as had previously been feared.

Despite earlier plans to reduce the grant cap by €300 from January 1, the government has confirmed that the grant will stay at its current level next year.

No Cut to Solar Panels Grant in 2026 - Energy Efficiency

The SEAI's grant for home solar panels will remain at the same level in 2026, altering plans to reduce it by €300 from next January.

energyefficiency.ie/blog/no-cut-to-solar-panels-grant-in-2026

Don’t Disturb the Fairy Trees - Preserving Ireland’s Storied Past for the Present

Kirsty’s dad is a coinnessuer of nature, and that includes knowing when to leave well enough alone.

Hawthorne trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape. Keeping them standing is a good decision to preserve Ireland’s natural flora and the role they play in animal habitats. It will also avoid dire misfortune.

@energy.efficiency.ie

My dad’s farm still has a few “fairy trees” — white thorn bushes you definitely don’t cut down (unless you want bad luck 😅 ). Turns out, t... See more

What Strength EV Charger Do I Need?

Buying a home EV charger can save you huge amounts of money if you have an electric car.

But before you go buying, ask yourself what strength of charger you need, since it may have a serious impact on the price.

What Strength EV Charger Do I Need? - Energy Efficiency

Charging your EV at home is the best way to get value for your money. But there are many different types of EV chargers available; different brands with

energyefficiency.ie/blog/what-strength-ev-charger-do-i-need

How to Read Your Electricity Meter

Reading your electricity meter is an important thing to know how to do if you want to make sure that you’re being billed correctly.

We walk you through how to read different types of old 24-hour or Day/Night meters, as well as modern Smart Meters.

How to Read Your Electricity Meter - Energy Efficiency

However, you can still read your electricity meter to find out more about your electricity consumption. Here is a guide to gauge your home energy consumption.

energyefficiency.ie/blog/how-to-read-your-electricity-meter

We hope you enjoyed the articles this week. Together with your support, we are helping to build a greener, more affordable Ireland for everyone. That’s your energy update.

Until the next edition.

Briain Kelly,

Editor, EnergyEfficiency.ie