Energy Infrastructure

Wednesday, 25 September 2024

Ceisteanna (83)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

83. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1644 of the 23 July 2024, if he will confirm that the Department maintains a list of approved solar PV panel installers as used under individual applications for photovoltaic solar panels under TAMS 2 & 3; if the Department can give assurances that under the terms and conditions of this scheme (condition No. 10), it has the required evidence that each installer used has the requisite insurance cover to indemnify the Department; if will comment further on insurance cover where the installer as per the individual application sub-contracts the work and his views on these issues on the individual case, which he referenced in his reply to the above Parliamentary Question, with regard to safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38040/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The safety of Solar PV systems, both at installation phase and for subsequent use by farmers, is of paramount importance to me.

With this in mind, my Department maintains a list of approved solar PV panel installers from which TAMS applicants can select an installer to carry out the installation works. All registered solar installers that are included on this list must provide evidence of appropriate insurance cover to my Department.

In certain circumstances, a registered installer may subcontract the installation works. However, the contract for the installation of the solar PV system remains with the installer from the registered list. Therefore if problems arise, the applicant may seek recourse with the main contractor, who has the appropriate insurance cover in place.