For most homeowners in Laois, installing rooftop solar panels no longer requires planning permission. Significant updates to Irish planning laws in October 2022 removed previous restrictions, allowing for an unlimited area of panels on house rooftops. However, special rules apply to protected structures or properties within Architectural Conservation Areas, where consent is still typically needed. Ground-mounted systems also have specific height and area limitations.
Regarding financial support, the SEAI Solar PV Scheme offers grants up to €1,800 for eligible homes in Laois. This grant is available for properties built and occupied before 2021, provided an SEAI-registered installer is used. Furthermore, a 0% VAT rate on domestic solar PV installations has made upgrading more affordable for many families.