Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
181. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a matter in relation to the installation of a photovoltaic system (details supplied) will be examined; if he will liaise with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Solar PV Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). As per the terms of the scheme, to which the applicant agrees when applying, the grant is offered subject to the final system Installation meeting the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Solar PV Scheme.
This Code of Practice includes minimum performance criteria for the technology used, which are clearly outlined in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 and all Registered solar Installation companies are aware of this. The minimum performance and certification criteria for components exists in the best interest of homeowners, ensuring they get the best possible product, which lasts its design lifetime, performs optimally and limits quality issues in the future.
Solar Installation Companies are also registered with SEAI to ensure tax and insurance compliance, and their commitment to installing the works in accordance with the SEAI Domestic Technical Standards and Specification (DTSS) and adherence to the Code of Practice and Quality Assurance and Disciplinary Procedures (QADP).
A homeowner is free to choose and engage in a contract with any of the companies registered for the scheme, which provides them with the opportunity to compare prices and system installations that best suit their needs.
Upon completion of an installation, the solar company signs a Declaration of Works (DOW) attesting that the system installed is in accordance with the code of Practice. Where SEAI identifies that this is not the case; then such companies are at risk of being deregistered from the scheme.
