Jack Chambers has weighed in on calls for higher grants for people installing solar panels on their properties. 

In recent years, the State has cut the amount available for people installing solar panels, amid falling prices for the technology. 

Currently, a person looking to install solar panels on their property is entitled to an SEAI grant of €1,800. 

However, amid a surge in fossil fuel prices due to the Iran War, there have been calls for the State to focus on boosting the amount of solar energy generated in Ireland through higher subsidies. 

On The Claire Byrne Show, the Minister for Public Expenditure said the Government has already reformed the public’s entitlement to SEAI grants. 

“Darragh O'Brien has expanded the grants for windows and doors,” he said.

“We've broadened the criteria in which people can get retrofitting grants; it's not solely for a deep retrofit - there's been a more pragmatic approach taken to that.

“But we have to be balanced around the level of grants we can provide for.”

A man installing rooftop solar panels. Picture by: Radharc Images / Alamy. 

Minister Chambers noted that it has never been cheaper to install solar panels on a property. 

“The overall price of solar panels has reduced in recent years,” he added. 

“There are grants obviously attached to people getting solar panels presently. 

“But we have to protect some of the investment that's going into retrofitting, it is an overall balancing act.”

Last August, 4.8% of all energy generated in Ireland came from solar power. 

By contrast, wind energy generated 26.9% of Irish energy, while other non-renewable sources made up 3.2%

Main image: Jack Chambers. Picture by: PA Archive/PA Images.