New data shows there were almost 2,000 solar panel installations carried out in Galway city and county last year with the aid of grants from the SEAI – the third highest number Ireland.
Solar panel installations with grant support rose by 35% in Galway to 1,929, as a record number of homeowners turned towards renewable energy to cut their energy bills.
Across Ireland, there was a 24% increase in solar PV systems installed in 2024, with every county except Monaghan seeing an increase on the year before, when 41% of our electricity came from renewable sources.
Some 29,151 arrays of solar panels were fitted on homes across Ireland, up 6,441, with Offaly seeing the highest percentage increase at 46%.
The highest number of new grant-assisted installations were carried out in Co. Dublin, followed by Cork and Galway.
With energy costs in Ireland remaining among the most expensive in Europe, it is unsurprising more local homeowners have decided to generate free solar electricity.
Apart from the obvious benefit of saving money on electricity bills, solar panels also drastically reduce your carbon footprint, and can help to future proof your home.
However it remains to be seen whether 2025 will be another strong year for installations as the government cut the grant yet again by €300, to €1,800.
Despite this, prices have been falling significantly in recent years, which is one of the reasons for the solar boom across the Republic.
Previously common misconceptions about how effective solar is in Ireland are also becoming less prevalent – which should mean that the rate of installations continues.
Commenting on the most recent SEAI projections report, SEAI CEO William Walsh said that the government has “made great strides in recent years on the legislative front, adopting very strong binding targets into legislation.”
“History shows us that big changes like this take time to build momentum, unless an emergency approach is taken,” he said.
“Financial supports are at their highest level ever, and several Government taskforces are actively working to drive the key technologies listed above, but it follows from these projections that we must do even more.”
