Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023
66. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider providing a grant to small to medium-size businesses, similar to the grant scheme available to farmers to erect solar PV panels on their premises which would offset the high cost of electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5879/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity by 2030, including 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 in February 2022.? The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22nd September, saw Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW.
This includes small to medium-sized businesses, public organisations and community groups. Both grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and are up to a maximum of €2,400.
This new phase of the scheme provides an opportunity for small businesses to reduce their electricity bills. Moreover, with the 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 in 2023.
My Department is also developing the Small-Scale Generation (SSG) scheme for generators above 50kW to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV in cohorts that are not as suited to other support measures, such as the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). This scheme is expected to be launched in 2023.
