HOME RETROFIT WITH SOLAR IN SUMMER
Updated August 14th, 2026
It’s high summer, and with the unusually sweaty weather we’re all suffering a bit of brain fog. And, frankly, the leadership of the entire planet seems to be struck by the same muddle-headed languor.
The American-Israeli war with Iran continues to threaten commercial shipping, and with it, to disrupt global oil supplies. Back in April, the Irish government introduced a range of tax and excise cuts to buffer the effect of hikes in the price of oil. Those temporary measures were set to expire at the end of July, but after a public outcry have been extended into the autumn.
The levies on fossil fuels, though, are not just a revenue generator. They are an active measure meant to curb fossil fuel consumption and stimulate the move to electric vehicles. Short term measures to cut them may be popular – and in the current cost of living crisis may even be necessary – but in the end such cuts actually work against the public’s long-term interests.
With farmers forced to feed winter rations to livestock, and many parts of the country under a hose-pipe ban, it doesn’t take a genius to spot the potentially life-changing impacts of climate change. A UN study suggests that extreme heat will have serious consequences for food production in coming decades. Prices at the pump are painful now, and that needs attention – but government policies need to plan for the future, too.
And so do we.
As it happens, summer is the best time to undertake a deep home retrofit. As the experts at the Sustainable Energy Authority say, “summer is the smartest time to prepare for winter comfort.”
The warmer, drier weather speeds up external works, while extended daylight hours maximise productivity. Windows can be kept open to manage dust from carpentry or insulation. With heating systems turned off, meanwhile, there is no disruption while boilers are replaced and radiators are upgraded and you won’t freeze if your heating system is temporarily disconnected.
Because many contractors face peak-season bottlenecks in autumn and winter, starting now helps you beat the rush and secure a slot.
Installing solar should be part of any deep home retrofit project. Solar offsets the high electricity demand of newly installed heat pumps and ventilation systems and can drastically cut operating costs.
Conversely, because a deep home retrofit heavily reduces overall heat loss through insulation and airtightness, you may only need a smaller, more cost-effective solar array to cover your remaining needs. Adding a home battery to store surplus daytime solar enables you to power appliances and lighting overnight, maximising self-sufficiency.
Home Retrofit And Solar Grants And Loans
There is substantial government support available for deep retrofits. Homeowners can take advantage of funds available through the SEAI Home Energy Grants. Homeowners can either manage individual upgrades (like these for installing solar) or use an SEAI Registered One Stop Shop to manage full deep retrofits from start to finish.
If your family finances don’t look able to stretch to the cost of a home retrofit, even with an SEAI grant, home energy upgrade loans are available. These low-interest rate loans make it possible for most homeowners to take the energy and cost saving steps of a deep retrofit.
If you are new to all this, and want to explore your exact eligibility, grants, (and find vetted contractors like SolarSmart), you can review your options on the SEAI Plan Your Energy Journey page.
Now is the right time to think about your energy future.
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.
