Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
85. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the terms and conditions of the new grant scheme for businesses installing solar panels; if businesses are prohibited from installing more than 6 kW of panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47828/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the revised target of up to 5.5GW of solar renewables by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan and the recent Government agreement on sectoral emissions ceilings. This includes over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW. The first phase of the scheme, consisting of a Domestic solar PV grant, commenced on the 16th February and homeowners can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing solar PV equipment. In 2022 and 2023 the maximum grant is €2,400. The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22nd September, sees Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW. Grants will also be administered by SEAI and are up to a maximum of €2,400. This new phase of the scheme provides an opportunity for small businesses, farms and community groups to not only reduce their electricity bills but to visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Ireland’s broader climate action goals. Moreover, with the recent introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment; which further supports the investment. The final phase of the MSS will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, to support non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff, which will consist of a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations, that is fixed for 15 years.
