Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
59. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if owners of thatched homes are eligible to apply for retrofitting grants such as solar panel grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The SEAI advise that it does not exclude homes with thatched roofs from applying for energy upgrade grants, including the domestic solar PV grant. These homeowners should first contact their local authority and confirm if Planning Permission is required to install a PV array on their roof.
Eligibility for SEAI supported upgrades is determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. In relation to solar panels specifically, there are significant technical challenges that may mean that the installation of a PV array on a thatched roof is not feasible. The structural integrity of the roof must be assessed to ensure it can safely support the weight of the solar PV system and a bespoke mounting system would likely be required for such installations.
Such systems may make the solar PV installation on thatched roofs significantly more expensive compared to standard installations. An alternative to consider is the installation of a ground-mounted system. It is important for thatched roof homeowners to consult with a Solar PV contractor and a Traditional Building Professional before any works commence.
To support the appropriate upgrading of traditional buildings, the technical Guidance Document - “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” has been published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This guidance is an important resource for SEAI as well as the retrofit and wider construction industry in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrading of older, traditionally-built buildings while ensuring compliance with the appropriate building regulations.
Last year, SEAI commenced the roll out of the Traditional Buildings Pilot Scheme which is available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme. Further details on the pilot scheme are available on the SEAI website: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/traditional-homes. The findings of the Pilot will help to inform Government’s approaches to retrofitting traditional buildings including options for the installation of solar PV.
