Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
53. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a decision has been made on an application for approval of a thermodynamic solar hot water system for the better energy homes grants scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49765/21]
View answerMy Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since 2000, over 450,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light. Under the Better Energy Homes scheme, a grant of €1,200 is available for Solar Water Heating installation. The installation must meet the minimum annual solar renewable energy contribution based on the floor area of the dwelling. Full details of the technical criteria can be found in the Domestic Technical Standards and Specification (DTSS) publication available on the SEAI website.
All solar products installed must be included on the SEAI Solar Thermal Registered Product List. If a manufacturer or their designated agent wishes to register a product on the SEAI Solar Thermal Registered Product List, they must complete and return a Solar Thermal Product Registration form along with any supporting documentation. This form can be downloaded from the SEAI website at www.seai.ie/grants/supports-for-contractors/ . The product will be assessed by SEAI to ensure compliance with thermal performance and durability criteria and if successful, will be included on the registered product list. I have been advised that SEAI have no record of any recent applications made to their Solar Thermal Registered Product List. If the company referred to by the Deputy made an application to the SEAI they can contact them directly on 01 8082004 or 1850 927 000.
Should a homeowner wish to apply for the Solar Thermal Grant they can visit www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/solar-water-heating-grant/ for further details. Further information on SEAI grants is available at www.seai.ie .
