Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Questions (154)

Ged Nash

Question:

154. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is prepared to address a policy anomaly in respect of the SEAI solar PV scheme that has seen the exclusion of an individual (details supplied) and potential other homeowners from access to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55929/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The 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 and occupied prior to 1 January 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.??This has already significantly increased access to the scheme, which received a record number of applications during 2022. In 2023, this level was surpassed by August, making this another record year.

Targeting the grant scheme at existing homes rather than newer builds, ensures that the grants available through the SEAI maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible, whilst also ensuring efficient and effective use of exchequer funding.?New?build houses must?follow?Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements.

There are options to meet this requirement under the standard by including heat pumps and/or Solar PV, with the cost of installing Solar PV systems during the new build process significantly lower than for existing homes. Consequently, such houses already enjoy significantly higher energy performance and resultant reduced electricity demand, compared with older homes.

In this instance, my Department has forwarded this question to the SEAI for further clarification in relation to the specific issues raised.