Wexford Fine Gael Cllr Robbie Staples has called on the Government to strengthen national supports for homeowners installing solar panels as Irish households remain exposed to global price increases and some of the highest energy costs in Europe.
He said homeowners should be able to access support when installing solar panels, regardless of the age or type of their home or their ownership status.
Following presentations to Wexford County Council from the ESB on rising energy costs, dependence on imports and concerns around blackouts, he believes stronger support for domestic solar is needed.
“If we want to cut bills, strengthen energy security, and reduce our dependence on imports, we must make it easier for people to install solar panels,” Cllr Staples said.
“Increasing grants and expanding eligibility is the most practical step the Government can take right now.”
He said stronger supports could help reduce household energy bills, lower Ireland’s reliance on imported electricity and create local jobs in installation and maintenance.
Currently, more than 2,000 solar PV panels are being installed on the roof of Wexford General Hospital by EnergyServ.