A record number of people invested in making their homes more energy efficient last year, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
More than 58,000 home energy upgrades were completed last year, up by eight percent on 2024.
There was also record investment in solar energy. More than 102,000 homes now have “grant-aided” solar panels on their roof.
The SEAI says that it also handed out more than 18,000 grants to help people buy electric vehicles.
Chief excutive of the SEAI, William Walsh, says that high energy bills has encouraged people to take action.
“Energy costs are on the minds of many, especially at this time of year”, he said.
“Last year was a record year for investment – there is real momentum now behind our programmes. Many people know a friend, neighbour or colleague who has made the decision to upgrade their home or business and are feeling the benefit of the work – both in their pocket with reduced energy costs, and in their health and overall comfort levels.”
2025 was the highest year on record for the SEAI’s Warmer Homes Scheme which grants free energy upgrades to people at risk of fuel poverty.
The Energy Authority said the scheme was helping to lower energy bills and improve health outcomes.
In total, the SEAI invested €645 million in energy efficiency schemes last year.
“The long-term solution to high energy costs is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels”, said William Walsh.
“Energy is central to everything we want to achieve as a country, and we must put our energy system on a more sustainable, secure footing and remove ourselves from the volatility of the international markets. Everything we do must consider and protect those most vulnerable in the transition. SEAI is here to help, no matter what stage a person or business is at.”
Last month the SEAI warned that Ireland still has a long way to go to meet its energy efficiency targets.
“We are making some progress reducing our energy related emissions, [but] we haven’t broken the link between economic success and fossil fuels”, the Energy Authority warned.
“We need to do a lot more to meet our goals. The good news is we know what works. Increased renewable energy infrastructure and grid reinforcement, more home energy upgrades, district heating and investment in public transport are among the many solutions that would make a big difference.
In moving away from fossil fuels, we are moving towards a more secure, healthier, more competitive economy and society for all.”