For homeowners in Cavan considering renewable energy, planning permission for solar panels on residential roofs is often not required. Since October 2022, most domestic rooftop solar installations are exempt, with previous size limits removed. However, if your property is a protected structure or in a conservation area, you will need to consult Cavan County Council for specific permissions.
For heat pumps, both air source and ground source systems are generally considered permitted development, meaning planning permission is typically not needed. Nonetheless, installations must comply with building regulations. Air source heat pumps, for example, have specific conditions regarding their size and placement to minimise visual impact and noise.
Furthermore, significant SEAI grants are available for Cavan homeowners upgrading to solar PV or heat pumps, which can greatly reduce initial costs. These grants often require your home to be built before 2021 and for heat pumps, a technical assessment is mandatory.