Mullingar Sustainable Energy Community launch ‘Solar Meitheal’

The Mullingar Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) have launched a ‘Solar Meitheal’ and are inviting homeowners in Mullingar to submit expression of interest in joining a collective effort to install solar panels on their homes.

Recognising that many residents are interested in solar energy but may feel apprehensive about navigating the process alone, the Solar Meitheal offers a supportive, collaborative approach inspired by the Irish tradition of ‘meitheal’, where neighbours work together to achieve a common goal.

The Solar Meitheal will bring together interested parties to streamline the process of procuring and installing solar panels, making it simpler and more affordable.

By teaming up with other households, participants can also benefit from group purchasing, which will reduce the costs.

The Mullingar SEC will facilitate the process, offering guidance and resources to ensure participants have a smooth experience from start to finish.

Hazel Smyth, chairperson of the Mullingar SEC, said: “Solar energy is the future but we know it can be daunting to start alone. The Solar Meitheal allows us to build a community-based solution in Mullingar that supports local households in taking a meaningful step toward energy independence while helping them save on energy costs.”

The initiative is particularly suitable for anyone who, up to now, has been ‘on the fence’ with regard to PV solar panels. The Mullingar SEC state on their website that the expression of interest form is just that – an expression of interest in participating in the scheme – and does not commit anyone to anything.

If the initiative is a success, the Mullingar SEC anticipate that there would be several rounds of installations, so if you are not in a position to purchase now, they can keep you in the loop for future opportunities.

Expression of interest forms are available on the Mullingar SEC website at mullingarsec.ie.