Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
176. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider including sports clubs and associations in the grant scheme for the installation of solar panels, which currently only includes grants for domestic and commercial users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59351/22]
View answerOn 22 September I announced the extension of Government supports of up to €2,400 for the installation of solar PV panels for non-domestic buildings – aimed specifically at businesses, public organisations and community groups including sports clubs and associations. The new grants are the next phase in the Government’s Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) and are administered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme provides grant funding of up to €2,400 towards the installation of solar PV technology up to a maximum of 6kWp, which is approximately 16 solar panels. This provides an opportunity for all areas of the non-domestic sector to not only reduce their electricity bills, but to visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Ireland’s broader climate action goals.
At the current high electricity prices, businesses, including the community group identified by the Deputy, have the potential to save €2,000-3,000 per annum from a solar PV system supported under this scheme. Moreover, with with the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG),any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises is now eligible for an export payment which further supports the investment. This means that the installation can pay for itself quickly – thus helping to protect businesses and organisations across the country against rising energy prices into the future.
To apply for a grant, non-domestic applicants should visit www.seai.ie and follow the outlined steps.
The final phase of the Micro-generation Support Scheme will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff – to support electricity exported to the grid from non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWe up to 50kWe. The CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP in 2023.
