Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
153. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that the solar electricity grant is capped at a maximum of €2,400; the reason for capping the grant; the estimated projected cost in 2023 of doubling the cap to either €4,800, €5,000 or €10,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44261/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaximising consumption of self-generated electricity will provide the most benefit to offset rising electricity costs and shorten the payback period for the investment. In addition, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available from all electricity suppliers. A tax exemption applies to income up to €200 per annum received by domestic micro-generators from their suppliers by way of the CEG.
The Government approved the final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) targeting 380MW of new renewable generation to contribute to an overall target for solar PV of 5GW by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan. The scheme design was supported by detailed economic and policy analysis which informed a public consultation on the draft design in January 2021 and is available at www.gov.ie. Targeting the grant scheme, including removing the minimum BER requirement and including homes built up to 2020, ensures that the grants available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of micro-generators possible and ensures efficient use of scarce public financing. Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in early 2022 applications levels are up 250% year on year.
The scheme is currently offering capital grants of up to €2,400 to domestic applicants through the SEAI domestic Solar PV scheme. The scheme is targeting the following in 2022.
|
Year |
Maximum Grant € |
No of Applications |
Budget € million |
MW Installed |
|
2022 |
2,400 |
6,600 |
13 |
20 |
Included in measures targeted at consumers under the National Energy Security Framework (NESF) announced by Government is a fully funded scheme for medically vulnerable people with high electricity usage to install rooftop solar PV. The Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is currently working on this €20m scheme with key stakeholders and I expect publication of the details on the SEAI website in near future.
