Homeowners seeking to cut the cost of going solar are invited to the Warmer Homes Expo at the Midlands Park Hotel on Monday, 19 October, from 10am to 3pm, where the new Portlaoise Solar Meitheal will be launched. A public transport guide for attendees is available to download from Laois County Council’s website.

The Portlaoise Solar Meitheal will bring interested homeowners together to explore purchasing solar PV systems as a group, aiming to secure more competitive pricing and simplify the process.

The initiative will be a focal point of the Expo, where visitors can learn how the Solar Meitheal works and register their interest in taking part.

-- Advertisement --

Hosted by Portlaoise 2040 Sustainable Energy Community as part of Laois Climate Action Festival 2026, the Expo will provide practical guidance on solar PV, home energy retrofits, available grants, financial supports and green loans, including the enhanced solar PV and battery supports introduced this month.

Kevin Manning, Energy Engineer with Laois County Council, said: "The Warmer Homes Expo is about making home energy upgrades easier to understand and giving people an opportunity to speak directly with experts about the options available to them. Whether you are thinking about insulation or solar PV, or simply want to understand what supports are available, we would encourage you to come along, ask questions and find out what could work for your home."

Attendees will be able to talk directly with independent energy experts, contractors and financial institutions about SEAI grants, green loans and practical ways to improve their home’s energy performance. Recently announced measures include a new €600 home battery grant, broader eligibility for the existing solar PV grant, and enhanced solar PV and battery supports of up to €9,000 for eligible homeowners receiving certain Department of Social Protection payments.