Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
107. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider reinstating the battery grant scheme that was abolished in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27438/26]
View answerThe Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) provides supports to both domestic and non-domestic applicants, in the form of grants for solar PV installations, up to a maximum of €1,800 in 2026 for household installations.
As part of designing a new support scheme, the SEAI undertook an assessment of continuing the previous battery grants under the MSS and concluded that in light of:
• the cost of batteries;
• their low storage capacities of only a few hours; and
• their relatively short lifetime,
a stand-alone battery grant did not represent efficient use of limited Exchequer funds at that time.
Solar PV systems and battery storage solutions (including EV batteries with vehicle to home/grid capabilities) are increasingly being designed to act in response to dynamic conditions, such as fluctuating tariff prices or grid congestion scenarios. Such systems can also be configured to operate at times when a grid connection is temporarily unavailable, through the use of additional changeover switches and appropriate electrical wiring. My Department will work with the SEAI to assess the feasibility of supporting such smart energy solutions.
Since its launch in 2022, the Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme has gone from strength to strength, with:-
• over 10,000 applicants supported in 2022;
• 22,214 in 2023;
• 28,000 in 2024; and
• over 33,000 last year.
Budget 2026 has allocated over €67m to this year’s scheme. So far this year over 7,000 homes have been supported.
This high level of demand indicates that the scheme is working well and that not only have citizens recognised the significant benefits of investing in solar PV, but that the solar PV industry and supply chain have adapted to the demands of our citizens. The scheme will be kept under review to ensure it is operating effectively and making the best use of Exchequer funding.
