Warmer Homes at the Green Café
The sun shone as the benefits of solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and EVs were discussed at the popup Green Café in the Red Hall, Lismore last Saturday hosted by Green Party local election candidate, Lynne Glasscoe.
With tens of thousands of solar-powered homes now in Ireland, homeowners had their own stories to share of successes with renewables: from the money saved on energy bills, monies earned from selling back to the grid, reduction of impact on the environment and increase in the value of properties.
“The solar panels can pay for themselves in 5-6 years,” was the conclusion of homeowner Brendan Meghan.
Dr Yvonne Byrne of the SEEA/SEAI (South East Energy Agency / Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland) discussed with potential solar panel owners the grants on offer, particularly since the VAT was taken off solar panels earlier this year reducing the cost even more.
“Homeowners can apply individually, go to the One-Stop Shop for a complete energy upgrade, or participate in a Sustainable Energy Community.” She continued, “and anyone in receipt of a welfare payment can get a free assessment and 100% funding for necessary upgrades.”
Leaflets outlining grants are available from Lynne Glasscoe.
“Five years ago when I was canvassing for the last local elections in the Lismore LEA, there were few households with solar panels. The grants now available since the Green Party has been in government has led to tens of thousands warmer, cleaner homes,” said Ms Glasscoe.
And remember, you don’t even need the sun to shine for the solar panels to generate energy, they work away on cloudy days! For further information, contact either Lynne Glasscoe, Green Party local election candidate, Lismore LEA lynne.glasscoe@ greenparty.ie or Dr Yvonne Byrne, SEEA info@yvonnebyrneconsultancy.ie