Community solar panel project to be explored in Athy

There might be potential for community solar panel installation project in Athy and other parts of south Kildare

Solar Meitheal is a community-led initiative to unite homeowners to collaboratively install solar panels at their houses. This approach aims to make solar panels more accessible and affordable by encouraging group purchasing power in local areas.

At a recent meeting of Kildare County Council, cllr Mark Leigh tabled a motion calling for an investigation into the potential for Solar Meitheal projects within the Athy Municipal District. The motion was aimed at exploring sustainable, community-based energy solutions that could benefit local residents.

In response, Kildare County Council’s climate action office noted that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) program, which supports local communities in learning about and implementing energy solutions collaboratively. 

The program is facilitated in Co Kildare by mentors Emer Conway and Jim Kenehan, who are considered well-positioned to provide guidance on forming and running such community-led solar initiatives.

It was also noted that if the project is developed as a community-based initiative, it may be eligible for funding under the second round of the Community Climate Action Fund (CCAF), subject to the specific criteria. The next phase of CCAF is expected to be announced later this year.

If solar panels were something you were weighing, this might be a more budget-friendly option coming in the future.