Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2026
132. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the specific measures his Department are taking to ensure Irish households have access to low-cost energy production; the expected timeline to receive the sought guidance on plug-in solar and small-scale microgeneration systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I am supportive of any technology which can reduce costs for households and consumers and increase the share of renewables on our system, provided that it can be integrated safely. For that reason, last month I wrote to ESB Networks (ESBN) requesting that, in its capacity as the body responsible for safety regulations and technical standards for the distribution grid, it works with the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Safe Electric and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to prioritise and accelerate the development of standards that will permit the use of "plug-in" solar systems in Ireland.
The Managing Director of ESBN has since written to me confirming ESBN's support for the safe, proportionate use of small, plug-in solar or battery devices up to a total of 800W (AC) provided that the following conditions are met:
• customer and public safety are prioritised and assured;
• network integrity and power quality are maintained in all operating conditions;
• the DSO has appropriate visibility of connected generation through a simple registration process; and
• devices meet the relevant technical and product standards.
ESBN has commenced work in this regard and has written to other key stakeholders with a view to coordinating the respective positions and set out a shared pathway to accelerate the deployment of plug-in solar and storage. Engagement with Eirgrid to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the impact of plug-in generation on the transmission network will also take place.
ESBN is also engaging with the UK-based Electricity Networks Association to align approaches with the evolving UK position on plug-in generation and storage to ensure a consistent approach across Northern Ireland and Ireland, reflecting the cross-border market for devices, installers and network participation. My officials are also in contact with officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK. EU Guidance on the matter is also being considered
The Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme, which provides grant support to homes for rooftop solar installations, has gone from strength to strength since its launch, with over 10,000 applicants supported in 2022. 2023 proved even more successful, with domestic solar installation further supported by the Government decision to apply a zero percent VAT rate for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels on domestic premises from 1 May, 2023'. By the end of 2023, 22,214 homes had received grant supports. In 2025, over 33,000 homes received grant supports. As of May 2026, over 20,000 applications were received (which is an 80% increase in applications, year on year).
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 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
