Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 September 2022
6. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to the funding of the installation of solar panels on the roofs of senior citizen-sheltered housing complexes in order to provide more sustainable energy and reduce energy costs for residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46138/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra15. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to fund the installation of solar panels on the roofs of senior citizen housing complexes in order to provide more sustainable energy and reduce energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46367/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 15 together.
The underlying principle, and primary advantage of microgeneration is self-consumption of your own electricity. This is how microgeneration can help consumers shield against electricity costs. While there is potential for payment for any excess electricity that you might not use yourself, export is an additional benefit but not the primary driver for engaging in microgeneration.
In this way, micro-generation has an important role to play in creating opportunities for homes, schools, community groups and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity, which can help offset rising electricity prices as well as decarbonise homes and businesses.
The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants for both domestic and non-domestic applicants for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400. Grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will become available to the non-domestic sector before end of September.
In addition, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity that they may export to the grid, reflective of the market value.
Later this year the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is expected to consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff, a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations which is fixed for 15 years for non-domestic applicants for installations greater than 6.0kW up to 50kW in size.
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.
Included in measures targeted at consumers under the National Energy Security Framework (NESF) announced by Government is a fully funded €20m scheme for medically vulnerable people with high electricity usage to install rooftop solar PV. The SEAI is currently working with key stakeholders and I expect publication of the details on the SEAI website in near future.
