Going big on solar is a no-brainer and the Social Democrats have a five-point plan to do that
Supports for solar panel installation need to be dramatically expanded and improved to help households cut their energy bills, according to Social Democrats Energy spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore said:
“Solar panels are easy to install and their impact is immediate. They can help families reduce their electricity bills by about €450 a year – as well as cutting our emissions.
“Given the benefits of solar, it beggars belief that the government has cut the grants available for families in recent years – from €2,400 to €1,800 – making installation unaffordable for many people.
“Instead of cutting supports, they should be ramped up so workers and families who are struggling with sky-high energy costs can finally get long-term relief.
“The Social Democrats have a five-point ‘Solar For All’ plan that would dramatically expand and improve supports for solar installation – starting with doubling the existing grant from €1,800 to €3,600.
“Separately, we would reinstate the €1,000 grant that used to exist for battery storage – which the government inexplicably cut in 2022.
“We would also include free solar panels as part of the Warmer Homes Scheme, so families most at risk of energy poverty could get them installed.
“Businesses would also benefit from our plan, with grants to help businesses install solar also substantially increased.
“Finally, we would ensure that new technology – for plug-in solar – could be rolled out quickly. This would enable small-scale solar panel PV systems, which can be plugged into standard household wall outlets, to be used in places like apartment balconies.
“While the UK has announced plans to make this cost-saving technology available imminently, our own Department of Energy has been considering this issue for nearly two years now – with no timeline for when this review will be finalised.
“We are in the middle of an escalating energy crisis and prices are at record highs, which is causing immense hardship for households all over the country. When is the government going to treat this crisis with the urgency it demands?
“We know that one million homes in Ireland are suitable for solar panels, but just 100,000 have them installed. Expanding and improving grant schemes will help ensure cost is not a barrier for those who want to get solar panels installed.
“Even if the current crisis in the Middle East abates, higher energy prices will be with us for some time – and further energy shocks are certain. Solar panels provide long-term resilience and security from these shocks and extortionate prices for individuals, families and businesses.
“Going big on solar is a no-brainer and the government could easily expand existing schemes by ring-fencing all the carbon tax that is raised annually, instead of just 60% of it – as currently happens.
“Up-front costs should not be a barrier for getting solar panels installed. They are not just good for households, and reducing energy bills, they will help us reach our climate target, of 8GW of solar PV capacity by 2030, while also reducing emissions.
“If the government really wants to ensure bang for its buck, when it comes to energy supports and climate measures, it needs to stop reducing solar grants – and instead adopt the Social Democrats ‘Solar for All’ plan.”