Record number of Waterford households installed solar panels in 2025, new data says

A record number of solar panels were installed on homes in Waterford in 2025, according to new SEAI data.

Some 1,021 households in Waterford installed solar panels with Solar PV Scheme grants last year, a 36% increase on the year before.

In total, 1,062 SEAI grants for home solar were awarded in the county.

Nationally, 33,048 grants were awarded through the Solar PV Scheme in 2025, surpassing the 28,423 grants awarded the year before.

It represented a 16% increase over 2024 and a 49% rise compared to 2023, with 21 counties recording higher installation levels than the previous year.

Energy expert Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie said the strong uptake in Waterford highlights the demand for solar as electricity bills remain high.

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“This is another exciting milestone for Ireland’s renewable energy sector,” said Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie.

“The pace of adoption we saw last year shows that Irish households are taking proactive steps to lower their energy bills.

“With SEAI grants and falling costs, solar PV is becoming an increasingly viable financial decision and a no-brainer for those looking to reduce their bills.

“There’s a €1,800 grant available from the SEAI in 2026 for those who wish to install solar panels on their rooftops.”

Briain Kelly said that he believes the trend will continue into 2026, which will further support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

“With energy costs remaining a concern for many, we expect interest in solar to continue growing in 2026, which will support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy,” he said.