Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
119. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied) relating to solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6747/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 15 February 2022 I signed the Regulations that create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. Key aspects for eligibility include having an export grid connection, a smart meter and being a renewables self-consumer. The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers' CEG tariff arrangements.
More information is available here: Clean Export Tariff - Commission for Regulation of Utilities (cru.ie)
Solar PV installations are supported under my Department, through the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS), which is targeting over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW.?Grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and are up to a maximum of €2,400, with supported applicants also permitted to avail of the CEG tariffs, for any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators
Solar PV installations are also supported under the Department for Agriculture, Food and Marine’s Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme, as well as the Young Farmer’s Capital Investment and Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage schemes, as part of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS). However, it should be noted that installations supported under the TAMS scheme are only supported to meet self-consumption needs and are not permitted to export electricity. I understand that this program is currently being reviewed by the Department for Agriculture, Food and Marine.
