New installations of solar panels on homes in Offaly up a staggering amount in 2024

NEW SEAI data has revealed that 499 solar panel installations were carried out in Offaly in 2024, as more households turn to solar energy to reduce their electricity bills.

Solar installations with grant support increased by 46% in Offaly last year - the highest percentage increase in the country.

Nationally, there was a 24% increase in solar systems installed, with every county seeing an increase on 2023 figures.

There were 29,151 arrays of solar panels installed on homes across Ireland with grants, a jump of 6,441 on the year before.

The counties with the most installations were Dublin (6,391), Cork (3,269) and Galway (1,929). Meath had the fourth highest number of installations.

After Co. Offaly, the highest percentage increases in the country were in Mayo, Meath and Kerry.

The rise in installations last year came after the maximum SEAI grant for solar panels was reduced in January 2024 by €300 to €2,100.

At the beginning this month, the grant was reduced again by €300 to €1,800.

Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie said that it is extremely promising to see that installations increased across the board last year despite the grant being reduced.

“These new figures from the SEAI show that the demand for solar panels remains strong across Ireland, with Offaly seeing a massive increase in grant supported installations in 2024,” said Mr Kelly.

“Solar panels have many benefits for households – from saving them thousands of euros in energy bills each year and cutting their carbon footprint, to increasing the value of the home.”

Mr Kelly said that although installations have increased, the benefits of solar are still overlooked by some people due to our climate.

“A common misconception that persists is that solar panels don’t work unless it’s a clear, sunny day.”

“This simply isn’t the case – while direct sunshine does generate more free electricity, solar panels also create a great deal of electricity even on cloudier days.”