Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if grant aid is available to community centres for the installation of solar pv panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24172/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government on 21 December 2021 and is opening on a phased basis in 2022. Under the MSS, farms, businesses, sports and community organisations generating up to 6.0kW will be eligible for a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant at the same levels as domestic customers (max €2,400). This grant will become available later in 2022.
Additionally on the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. I am aware that some suppliers have already advertised their CEG tariffs.
Solar PV is also one of a range of measures funded under the SEAI Communities Energy Grant Scheme which makes grant funding available to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock and is open to domestic and non-domestic applications including from community organisations.
