Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
54. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the SEAI solar PV grant scheme; if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the qualifying criteria that prevents homes built after 2021 from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31860/26]
View answer55. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the merits of expanding the SEAI solar PV grant scheme to include all homes including new builds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31861/26]
View answer56. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on whether the existing policy related to the SEAI solar PV grant scheme that excludes homes built after 2021 is equitable; if this is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31862/26]
View answer89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the ineligibility of homes built after 2021 for the SEAI grant (details supplied); the reason for this; if there are plans to amend the eligibility criteria in order that owners of homes built after this date can access the grant ensuring that energy and climate objectives are furthered and ensuring that the scheme is fair, effective and fit for purpose in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32485/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 55, 56 and 89 together.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides grant support of up to €1,800 for domestic solar PV installations. Grants are available to support installations to houses built and occupied prior to 2021.
Since the introduction of the MSS domestic grant in 2022, the scheme has gone strength to strength. 10,000 homes received support in 2022 followed by 22,214 in 2023 and 28,000 in 2024. Last year, over 33,000 installations were supported. This looks likely to continue into 2026 with over 10,000 applications to the end of March, a 65% increase year on year. This high level of demand and delivery indicates that the scheme is working well and that citizens recognise the significant benefits of investing in solar PV.
The current scheme built on the success of a previous pilot version of the grant scheme. As part of the transition between schemes, the eligibility criteria were changed from those houses built prior to 2011, to those built prior to 2021. This increased the number of homes eligible for grant support.
New build homes must follow Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. The cost of installing solar PV systems during the new build process is significantly lower than for existing homes.
Targeting the grant scheme at older homes makes the most efficient use of limited Exchequer funding for the scheme. There are no plans to change the building year requirement but grant eligibility is kept under review.
The Deputy may wish to note that new homes can obtain a zero percent VAT rate for the supply and installation of solar panels. This is a permanent change that came into effect from 1 May 2023. This measure underlines the Government’s commitment to help households save money on their energy bills.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was formed to?identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households. The Taskforce is now leading the response to the energy shock, and the immediate associated energy affordability challenge. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and continued development of the SEAI's schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
