Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
206. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the criteria for accessing the solar PV scheme will be reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25869/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is responsible for the operation of the grant scheme to help homeowners install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment. Details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are set out on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie. To date, 5,777 applications have received grant support under the scheme with €13.5 m funding provided.
Energy efficiency is a key priority in the decarbonisation of energy and reducing emissions. A minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) requirement for access to the scheme ensures that energy efficiency first principle is followed in the allocation of supports.
There are a range of supports available to homeowners to enable energy efficiency works to be carried out to improve their BER under the Better Energy Homes scheme. The SEAI also runs the National Housing Retrofit and the Community Energy Grants schemes, which funds community-based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area. For 2021, the combined budget for these schemes is over €50 million. Under both of these schemes the central priority is building energy efficiency, and projects are required to demonstrate a building fabric first approach. Solar panels can be supported as part of wider package of home energy upgrades. Funding for energy poor homes within projects can cover up to 80% of the total costs of the upgrades.
