Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
255. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and total value of solar photovoltaic grants provided in 2021; the average grant provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19666/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of 2021 the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provided €9,435,125 of grant support towards 4,089 Solar PV installations, with the average grant being €2,307. The average size of an installed system was 2.8kW. An installed capacity of domestic Solar PV of 16.5 MW has been achieved and this will avoid 4,339 tonnes of lifetime CO2 emissions. There were 41% more grants provided in 2021 than in 2020 and we expect the number of domestic grants to grow throughout 2022 to over 6,600. In July 2022 grant supports will be extended to the non-domestic sector, including school, community and sporting organisations. I have provided a budget of €16 million to the SEAI for support of Solar PV in 2022. Under the National Energy Security Framework, this will now be augmented by a targeted scheme to install solar PV in the homes of people considered vulnerable (i.e. who rely on electrical medical equipment in their homes) with funding of €20 million being set aside for this.
