Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020
21. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if the photovoltaic pilot grant scheme will be continued (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2018 the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEA) launched a pilot scheme to help domestic customers who install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment on their homes. The grant is available to homes built and occupied before 2011 and details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are set out on the SEAI website.
As of end August 2020 there were 3,691 applications who received grant support over the lifetime of the scheme with some €9.16million spent to date, saving approx. 3.1kT CO2 per annum. Future funding of the Scheme will be considered in the context of the 2021 Estimates.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future - committed to prioritising the development of microgeneration, letting people sell excess power back to the grid by June 2021. The Climate Action Plan also commited to actions to ensure that renewable self-consumers can sell excess electricity they produce back to the grid. Action 30 of the Climate Action Plan commits to the delivery of a framework for micro-generation from renewable technologies including solar photovoltaic (PV), micro-wind, micro-hydro and micro combined heat and power (CHP), whilst ensuring principles of equity, self-consumption and energy efficiency first are incorporated.
A Micro-Generation working group, chaired by my Department, is examining an enabling framework for micro- generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. This work aligns with the Programme for Government and is an integral part of our emerging Photovoltaic Solar Strategy. The proposed support mechanism will be outlined in a public consultation in the coming months. A suitable support payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all micro-generators by 2021 in line with transposition of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001) into Irish law.
