Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
100. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reasons solar panels are not installed under the SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme; if he intends to review this policy decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50390/23]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. Demand for the Scheme is very high with over 20,000 applications received over the period from January 2022 to end September 2023.
The Scheme is delivering deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years, with the average cost of upgrades increasing to €24,000 in 2023.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the WHS, with a focus on energy efficiency first (i.e. improving the energy performance of the roof and walls). The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI)’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements
• A new Solar PV scheme for vulnerable customers registered as being dependent on electrically powered assistive devices, is currently underway. This €20m scheme is targeted to provide direct support to over 3,000 vulnerable customers who may have limited opportunity to reduce their demand. The scheme will provide customers with a 2 KW solar PV system, in order to meet some of their electricity requirements.
