Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
160. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grants are available to install solar panels and wind turbines in domestic houses; to detail the criteria applied to these grants; and the timeframe within which it is expected these grants will remain in place. [51684/23]
View answerThe Domestic Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is open to houses built prior to 2021. The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the minimum BER C3 requirement was removed and the eligibility of the homes was changed from those built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021.
Micro-generation has an important role in creating opportunities for homes, schools, community groups and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity, which can help offset rising electricity prices as well as decarbonise homes and businesses.
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants through the SEAI for domestic applicants for Solar PV installations up to 6.0kW, primarily for self-consumption. Grant amounts are currently up to a maximum of €2,400 in 2023. The SEAI will also be assessing extending such support to other technologies under the MSS, including Micro-Hydro, Micro-Wind and micro-renewable CHP.
Solar PV grant eligibility criteria will be kept under review, and changes to the Domestic or Non-domestic schemes will be made when necessary. One such review and adjustment was approved on July 4th of this year, when Government approved amendments to the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to significantly expand the range of grant supports available for business and other non-domestic applicants.
Additionally, on 1 May 2023, the rate of VAT for the supply and installation of solar PV systems in private dwellings was reduced to zero, which further supports householders wishing to invest in microgeneration technology.
