BE EMERGENCY READY WITH SOLAR
Updated November 13th, 2026
In lots of Spanish speaking countries, they joke about “mañana”. It’s one word, but it plays on a cultural stereotype about the tendency to put things off until tomorrow.
In Ireland, we don’t have a word to convey that level of urgency.
Buh dump bump.
I know that’s a really bad joke. But you get my point. Here in Ireland, we are absolute masters at kicking the can down the road.
It’s one of the reasons I took notice when, in late September, the Government launched its “Emergency Ready” campaign. In doing so, we joined a raft of countries across Europe whose leaders are telling citizens to prepare for a major disruption to “business as usual” – with extreme weather, cybersecurity threats, even war being mooted as possible eventualities.
In launching the Emergency Ready programme, Defence Minister Helen McEntee stressed that the “campaign is about helping people and families take simple actions now so that we are better prepared should disruption occur” rather than about sowing panic.
I suspect that most households barely glanced at the checklist that fell through our doors. It might have been left to older members of the family to give a nudge in the direction of the suggestions.
Those same older family members may also be the only ones with the skills that might be required if the complex digital infrastructure that powers and connects us suddenly breaks down. If the power went out, people with everyday skills like food preservation, basic mechanical repair, and medical know-how would be the ones to whom we’d all be looking for advice.
It isn’t doomsaying to point out that just a few days ago, freezers and refrigeration units in Irish supermarkets were among those hit by a cyberattack. Things were up and running again pretty quickly, but do have a look at that checklist.
Emergency Ready With Solar Power
Being Emergency Ready, though, isn’t just about laying in supplies. It’s very much about laying the groundwork to future-proof Ireland against just the kind of environmental and political shocks we are being warned about.
Even with years of attention to kerbing our dependence on fossil fuels, Ireland still imports a significant share of its energy. That means we remain dangerously exposed to geopolitical events and global fuel price shocks.
Rooftop solar contributes to Ireland’s emergency readiness and national energy security by decentralising power generation and reducing our heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Because solar produces electricity at the point of consumption (homes and commercial buildings), it eases strain on the national grid during supply disruptions or severe weather events.
When integrated with home or community battery systems, rooftop solar allows individual properties and local emergency hubs, such as rural community centres, to operate independently during localised power outages.
Expanding local solar capacity builds a buffer against sudden supply chain or market disruptions.
And what the “rooftop revolution” of recent years has demonstrated is that – unlike large-scale grid infrastructure or offshore wind projects that take years to build – rooftop solar can be installed in days or weeks to quickly bolster our energy resilience.
Budget 2027 expanded eligibility criteria for the Sustainable Energy Authority’s solar grant scheme to include:
Homes that were built and lived in before 2025. Previously your home had to be built and lived in before 2021 to qualify.
A grant for a solar battery.
An enhanced grant for those in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment.
Winter storms are inevitable. Consult the Emergency Ready checklist. Get that wind up radio and write down important phone numbers. Lay in a two-week supply of key medications.
And join those who are bolstering Ireland’s long term energy security by making the switch to sustainable, low-cost solar.
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.
