The considerable potential of solar panels to reduce Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels – and bring down energy bills for households and businesses – continues to be a blind spot for this Government, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on energy, said:
“Simon Harris revealed over the weekend that the Government is exploring the possibility of one-off payments towards environmentally friendly energy measures, such as heat pumps and efficient cars. While helping people invest in renewables is a positive thing, it is unfortunate it has taken a global oil and gas supply crisis to concentrate Government minds.
“Notably, the Tánaiste’s comments contained one glaring omission – the largely untapped potential of solar power to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and tackle soaring energy costs.
“Earlier this month, the Dáil debated a Social Democrats’ motion calling on the Government to adopt our ‘Solar for All’ plan. Our proposal includes a doubling of grants for solar installation to €3,600, and the inclusion of solar panels in the ‘Warmer Homes Scheme’ to help families cut electricity costs by an average of €450 a year.
“Up to a million homes in Ireland are deemed suitable for solar panels and a nationwide installation programme could be rolled out relatively quickly. This is something we have been calling for since 2022, when the outbreak of war in Ukraine caused a major international energy shock.
“But we need more than vague assurances from Simon Harris that further measures to encourage households to switch to renewables will be considered – we need concrete action now.
“Grants for hybrid heat pumps – which can be conditional on homes having existing high BER energy ratings – were already increased earlier this year, so the Tánaiste is really just talking up a measure that is largely in place.
“Ireland will continue to be laggards when it comes to renewable energy unless there is a major shift in Government policy. This will put us at risk of billions in EU non-compliance fines if we fail to meet our legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“Our lack of progress in this area is best exemplified by the fact that the country was generating more offshore wind energy 20 years ago than it does today.
“The endless delays are inexcusable. The Government must do more than just pay lip service to renewables.”
April 27, 2026