Electric Ireland's new annual Sustainability Index will track consumer attitudes and perceptions towards energy efficiency technologies. Findings from the inaugural Electric Ireland Sustainability Index show that:

Almost three-quarters of solar panel owners cited cost savings as the primary benefit, with an average monthly saving of €91 on energy bills

60% of heat pump users highlighted enhanced home comfort as the key advantage, alongside cited average savings of €77 per month

Almost three-quarters of EV charger owners also identified cost savings as the main benefit, reporting average monthly savings of €128

59% of respondents cited lack of money as the main barrier to adopting energy-efficient products

Over three-in-four consumers expressed interest in an app to monitor electricity usage, while 65% want the ability to sell electricity back to the grid

Energy Upgrades can drive savings

Electric Ireland's new 2025 Sustainability Index reveals Irish homeowners who have adopted energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle (EV) home chargers are reporting notable financial savings and improved home comfort. However, a significant portion of the population feel unable to invest in these new technologies due to the upfront costs and a lack of clear guidance.

Financial and Comfort Benefits

Among survey respondents, 13% reported having solar panels already installed, 11% had heat pumps, and 7% had EV chargers. These respondents noted the clear cost benefits of these new technologies - those with solar panels reported perceived savings averaging €91 per month on energy bills. Those with a heat pump said they saved an average of €77 per month, while respondents with an EV charger reported average savings of €128 per month on fuel costs.

While financial savings were listed as the leading benefits of these products, some respondents also cited various additional benefits including more comfortable homes (60% of heat pump owners), convenience (46% of heat pump owners), and a lower carbon footprint (48% of EV charger owners).

Barriers to Adoption

Despite the clear benefits, the Electric Ireland Sustainability Index also shows that willingness to make the switch to more energy-efficient technologies remains low beyond the early adopters. For those who have yet to make any home energy efficiency upgrades, few have active plans to do so: just 22% of respondents are considering solar panels, 18% are considering solar battery systems in the near future, and even fewer plan on installing heat pumps (12%) or EV chargers (12%).

The most commonly cited barrier is cost, with nearly six in ten (59%) saying the associated upfront cost was a key deterrent.

"What Electric Ireland's new Sustainability Index reveals is that the long-term benefits of more energy efficient technologies are clear - but the upfront costs can be challenging" noted

Noeline Gibbons, Head of Residential, Electric Ireland.

"In Ireland, the average cost of a solar PV system is between €8,000 and €10,000. With SEAI grants available, most households see a return on investment within four to six years. Many customers say they are saving on average around €90 a month, and many are noticing reductions in their electricity bills straight away. While sustainable products and energy upgrades do require an upfront investment, there are immediate benefits in savings and comfort. However, we are acutely aware that many families and individuals want to start the energy transition but struggle with upfront costs and a lack of information. At Electric Ireland, we are working to ensure all homes can access the right information and guidance on the products they need, and to support people on their sustainability journey so they can make the most sustainable choice that is feasible for them."

Interest in Energy Efficiency

Beyond cost concerns, others report that the process of accessing grants feels like too much hassle, or that they are unsure if the in...