Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2118. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farmers who have installed solar panels on their farm buildings will be provided with meters in order that they can be reimbursed for the excess electricity that they are supplying back into the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42797/22]
View answerThe installation of smart meters is not within the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
My Department does however provide grant aid through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) to assist our farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms for on farm use only, there is currently no provision under TAMS for selling excess energy back to the grid.
The solar PV systems grant aided under TAMS includes Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels for water heating under the Pigs and Poultry scheme. An ‘On Farm Solar PV Survey’ must be completed and submitted with the application to quantify the holdings electricity power requirement and the planned electricity supply from the proposed development.
Following a review of power requirements, I have recently increased the maximum size of PV panels eligible for grant aid for the Pig and Poultry scheme to 62kw. A review is also taking place on solar requirements for other schemes.
It is also proposed that support for renewable energy investments will continue under the new Capital Investment Scheme as part of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) submitted to the EU Commission for approval last December.
My Department is also working closely with Minister Eamon Ryan, whose Department launched the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in December 2021, which are a suite of new measures which that Department has introduced for renewable production this year.
I will continue to engage with Minister Eamon Ryan and his Department and I am examining all ways to support farmers in this area.
