In this episode, Pete and Ferg are back with a major update on Ireland's home energy retrofit industry - and there's plenty of good news for homeowners!
With winter approaching and energy costs continuing to put pressure on households, the lads break down the latest SEAI grant changes, including the new €2,000 boiler scrappage support, heat pump grants of up to €14,500, and the return of the €600 solar battery grant.
Pete shares his firsthand experience of living with solar panels, battery storage and a heat pump, explaining how he's monitoring electricity usage, reducing bills and making the most of his system. Fergal breaks down the updated grants, who may qualify, and why proper design and installation are essential to getting the best results.
They also explore the benefits of the One Stop Shop approach versus individual grants, new solar supports under the Warmer Homes scheme, and why a Home Energy Assessment should be the first step for anyone considering a retrofit.
From rising fossil fuel prices and common heat pump misconceptions to the importance of insulation and choosing the right contractors, Pete and Ferg explain what homeowners need to know before making the investment.
Whether you're looking to install a heat pump, invest in solar panels or simply make your home warmer and cheaper to run, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take the next step.
00:00 – Welcome back: Pete and Ferg's latest retrofit and grants update
00:53 – Winter is approaching: heating systems and the latest grant changes
01:19 – New €2,000 boiler scrappage support explained
01:47 – Heat pump grants of up to €14,500: what's included?
02:34 – Additional €2,000 support for radiators and underfloor heating
03:14 – The €6,500 heat pump grant and €4,000 renewable heat bonus
04:16 – What will a heat pump installation actually cost homeowners?
05:20 – Rising electricity and fossil fuel prices: what does the future hold?
06:03 – Heat pumps versus traditional heating: which is better for futureproofing?
07:20 – Why the latest grant increases were introduced immediately
08:15 – Already applied for a grant? Could you qualify for the increased supports?
09:33 – Pete's first year with a heat pump and solar panels
10:09 – Monitoring energy consumption and understanding electricity bills
11:26 – Heat pump horror stories: why design and installation matter
12:39 – Why insulation improves the efficiency of every heating system
13:00 – The return of the €600 solar battery grant
14:07 – Solar PV grants: why government policy has changed
15:37 – Why heat pumps and solar panels work well together
16:20 – Battery storage: Pete explains why it's a game changer
17:32 – Bigger solar systems and the importance of storing electricity
18:19 – Export tariffs: selling electricity back to the grid
19:00 – How solar panel technology has improved over the years
20:26 – Pete's experience of reducing his summer electricity bills
21:51 – Could payments for exporting solar energy disappear in the future?
23:19 – Warmer Homes scheme: new solar PV and battery supports
24:26 – Expanded eligibility for solar grants on newer homes
25:40 – Solar technology advancements: comparing 2018 panels with today's systems
27:07 – One Stop Shop versus individual grants: which route should homeowners choose?
28:06 – The benefits of upfront grant deductions and project management
30:27 – Why coordinating contractors and retrofit paperwork can be difficult
32:20 – Planning a whole-home retrofit and avoiding unexpected costs
34:47 – Should you retrofit now or wait for bigger grants?
36:13 – How energy efficiency and BER ratings affect property value
37:10 – Why insulation should come before heat pumps and solar panels
37:27 – Home Energy Upgrade loans and financing your retrofit
38:09 – Getting started: understanding your home and your budget
38:35 – Home Energy Assessments: why they're the ideal first step
39:17 – Assessment grants, costs and what homeowners receive
40:17 – Understanding eligibility and planning your home energy upgrades
41:31 – Choosing between a full retrofit and a phased approach
42:07 – Attic insulation: why professional installation matters
43:12 – The hidden details of a properly completed attic upgrade
45:31 – Getting quotes and choosing the right contractor
45:55 – The golden rule: never start work before grant approval
46:46 – Heat pump myths and why satisfied homeowners rarely speak up
47:03 – How to operate a heat pump efficiently: low, slow and steady
48:37 – Final thoughts, upcoming guests and what's next for Behind the Walls