Carlow people paying way more for electricity due to lack of uptake on government scheme

Carlow is one of the counties engaging least with the SEAI solar panel grants, with just 372 properties having installed them in the county. 

A total of €718,880 was secured by Carlow homeowners last year, according to an analysis of SEAI data. 

Carlow placed 23rd nationally for total grant funding during the year.

The 2025 installation marks a notable decrease from 2024, when 392 installations brought in €867,525.

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The SEAI solar PV grant currently covers up to €1,800 per household of installation costs.

A typical 5-kilowatt solar panel installation can save homeowners around €1,000 annually, while reducing reliance on imported energy.

Across Carlow, there are now €2,214 small-scale grant-aided solar panels in operation.

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In per-capita terms, that's 35.7 per 1,000 people, saving local homeowners an estimated €1,818,641 on electricity bills in 2025 alone, according to the Kilowatt.ie.

Nationally, solar panels are saving Irish households an estimated €145 million per year.

Since the grant scheme began, Carlow has seen 1279 installations completed, bringing €2,824,810 of grants into the local economy.

Nationwide, the programme has accelerated sharply since 2022, with 2025 marking another record for solar across the Emerald Isle.