Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
155. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline any solar strategy to ensure a greater share of electricity is generated through solar PV; if there are plans to retrofit every home in the country with solar panels; if solar PV will be made more accessible to schools, GAA clubs and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55842/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to expanding and incentivising micro-generation, and to developing a solar strategy to ensure that a greater share of our electricity needs is met through solar PV.
The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, including solar PV. This will allow them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, reflective of the market value of that electricity. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework for the CET on 1 October. The consultation is now closed and I understand a decision is expected to be published this month and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards. My Department is developing a final scheme design for the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS). It is expected that a proposal on the supports to be offered for new installations under the Scheme will be submitted to Government by year end. On retrofitting of solar PV, supports for solar PV are currently available under the SEAI solar PV grant scheme and as one of a range of measures supported under the National Home Retrofit and Communities Energy Grant Schemes. Regarding accessibility, it is expected that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will bring forward revised Regulations early next year to reduce barriers to solar PV adoption. I also understand that ESB Networks will shortly begin a trial of an updated and simplified grid connection process for micro-generators in the 12-50kW range.
