Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
203. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the estimated number of households, including apartments and rental properties, that are currently unable to access rooftop solar PV due to ownership, structural or regulatory constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31651/26]
View answerThe Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government on 21 December 2021, to support Ireland’s ambitious targets for micro-generation installations, under the Climate Action Plan. The 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. These grants are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Currently the SEAI Solar PV Scheme is open to:
• all homeowners, including private landlords;
• owner management companies; and
• Approved Housing Bodies.
To avail of a solar PV grant for residential apartments there are two options:
• the homeowner of each residential apartment can apply for the Solar PV Scheme for their own apartment, provided that they have their own unique domestic MPRN and the property meets the eligibility criteria of the scheme; or
• an owner management company or a licensed property management agency can create the grant application(s) for the apartment(s).
My Department does not hold the information requested regarding how many properties are unsuitable for the installation of solar panels. Issues such as shading, and orientation of the property and roof angle will all have an effect on the efficiency of solar panel operation. This can affect the return on investment for certain properties rendering them unsuitable for installation of solar PV.
