KEEN INTEREST AT ENERGY SAVING EVENT

A keenly interested cohort of Kilcullen people at this afternoon's SEAI discussion on energy saving heard that understanding the fabric of a home and reducing heat losses through is essential before investing in technologies such as solar panels or heat pumps, writes Brian Byrne. The event in the Heritage Centre was facilitated by SEAI ambassador Emer Conway.

Careful perusal of energy bills was encouraged, with the facilitator detailing how to extract key information on tariffs and energy consumption and how to make the most of it through smart meters. The use of the online SEAI Home Energy Load Profiler was advised, to explore how technologies such as solar PV, battery electric storage, and electric vehicles can affect electricity costs. 

Emer Conway emphasised that the whole area of renewable energy and its technologies was rapidly changing, as were state policies around them. She provided an outline of changes in the recent budget which provide improved incentives for several grant-aided elements in making homes more energy efficient.

The discussion quickly became interactive, with queries and experiences of individuals in the audience being shared. Eoghan Dore, MD of Kilcullen-based TDE Group, which installs renewable energy systems, clarified technical details of solar and battery technology. (The company was announced New Business of the Year 2026, at last night's Kildare Business Awards organised by Kildare Chamber.)

The potential of a 'solar meitheal' for Kilcullen attracted considerable interest. This would involve several households coming together to have solar systems installed at the same time, which could result in significant savings. The SEAI would support the endeavour in several ways, including evaluation of contractor quotes.

The possibility of Kilcullen developing community-owned renewable energy infrastructure, such as a small solar farm, was discussed. This would require local sites, grid access, funding, and community support.

The recent addition of solar and battery systems to the fully-funded Warmer Home Scheme was noted, and a special workshop on this scheme, available to households receiving certain Social Welfare payments, will be held next Thursday morning in the same location. Those attending will be helped to complete and submit home energy upgrade applications.

The meeting concluded with participants being invited to sign for expressions of interest in a solar meitheal.

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