Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 May 2024
35. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what supports are available for businesses to install solar energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24205/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Non-Domestic Microgen grant (NDMG) scheme, as part of the wider Microgeneration Support Scheme, commenced in September 2022. The grant is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provides financial assistance to help businesses and other organisations to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site.
The initial non-domestic scheme enabled applicants such as businesses, farms, schools, and community buildings to apply for a grant for installations up to 6kW, at the same grant amounts as domestic customers. However, extended funding of up to €162,600 was introduced in July 2023 to support non-domestic installation sizes up to 1,000 kWp (1 MW) capacity, initially on a pilot basis to the end of 2023.
Since its launch, the amended NDMG scheme has proved an overwhelming success and as such, it has now been extended for 2024, at the same level of grant supports for installations up to 1 MW. To date over 1,300 offers have been made, supporting over 105 MW in additional generation capacity, with grant support of over €20 million across a range of non-domestic sectors such as education and care providers, food and retail businesses, community & leisure organisations, as well as larger commercial enterprises.
In addition, SEAI support solar PV as part of comprehensive building and industry upgrades through the EXEED Certified Grant and the Community Energy Grant.
Detailed information regarding eligibility for the non-domestic Microgen scheme is available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie.
