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10 Sept 2025
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10 Sept 2025
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Kilkenny is likely to have a record-breaking year (File Photo)
Renewable energy experts have predicted a record-breaking year for solar panels in County Kilkenny, with the county on track to install more rooftop panels in 2025 than ever before.
SEAI data shows that 684 homes in Kilkenny received grants for solar panels in 2024, and the popularity of solar energy in the county has continued into the first months of 2025.
In January and February, 119 households in the county had solar panels fitted, with 67 new installations last month alone. If this trend continues, there will be a record number of new installations in 2025.
READ NEXT: Best and worst places in Kilkenny for solar energy production revealed
Figures provided by the SEAI show that over €1.4 million in grant funding was awarded to Kilkenny households for solar panels last year, with the total installation cost coming to €7.5 million.
Nationally, 29,000 homes installed panels on their rooftops in 2024, availing of grants from the SEAI.
Renewable energy expert Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie said that with energy costs in Ireland being among the highest in Europe, it is no surprise that so many households are looking to solar panels to lower their bills.
“While the environmental benefits of solar energy are huge, most households considering installing solar panels are doing so to slash their energy bills,” said Mr Kelly.
“A household with eight solar panels installed can save over €900 a year on electricity bills, while ten rooftop panels could save a family around €1,100.
“It usually takes less than eight years for eight panels to pay for themselves through savings, and less than seven years for ten panels.
“This leaves homes with around two decades of completely free electricity after the initial payback period.
“This is one of the main reasons for the increase in solar adoption over the past year, and the strong figures for January and February indicate that Kilkenny is likely to have a record-breaking year for new installations in 2025.”
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