Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
118. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the process for a firm to register on the SEAI website; what checks are performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1593/24]
View answer119. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on concerns (details supplied) that insufficient oversight is performed on firms registered on the SEAI website; the measures he is taking to address these concerns and to provide adequate protection to people pursuing energy upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1594/24]
View answer120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of recent reports (details supplied) that due to firms going into liquidation, would be customers have lost significant investment into home energy upgrades; what measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1595/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 119 and 120 together.
The Domestic Solar PV scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides grant supports to homeowners wishing to increase the proportion of renewable electricity they consume by installing solar panels on their property.
Successful applicants receive grant payments for Solar PV systems installed by registered companies in accordance with the specified terms and conditions. Registration with SEAI does not guarantee or warranty a company or their works and SEAI encourages applicants to shop around, check references and carry out appropriate due diligence on their chosen solar PV company.
Scheme applicants are required to have a contract in place with their chosen solar PV company which provides appropriate levels of consumer protection. Any payment schedules agreed to by the homeowner with their chosen solar PV company, is a contractual matter between those two parties, as is the case for any goods, works and services contracts. As SEAI is not a party to such contracts, they are unable to intervene. SEAI remains available to process grant applications for any homeowners affected by a company going into liquidation, should the applicant choose to proceed with a different registered solar PV company and where no works have been completed, subject to the normal scheme T&Cs. As part of their administration of the solar PV scheme, SEAI maintains a register of solar PV companies who are authorised to complete works under the scheme. To register, companies must demonstrate continued tax compliance, give evidence of requisite insurance cover and commit to installing the works in accordance with the prescribed technical requirements. More information on the registration process and required documents for solar PV companies and installers is available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/solar-pv-installer/solar-pv-scheme/
