Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 408: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the legislation governing the use of domestic solar photovoltaic electricity generation here; if he will introduce a new solar photovoltaic scheme; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33487/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Commission for Energy Regulation/ESB Networks have recently amended the rules associated with small scale generators. It is now the case that generators of less than 6kW on single phase electricity and 11kW on three phase electricity supply cables can now connect their generators without prior authorisation. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will shortly publish a guide to connecting renewable and CHP electricity generators to the electricity network including advice for micro-generators.

In April of this year I announced a new support programme to underpin 50 trials of small scale wind and Photovoltaic electricity generators operating domestic and non-domestic applications. The trials will benchmark the performance and reliability of the technologies and gauge their market impact potential. The programme, which is administered by SEI, will be receiving applications shortly, following a consultation with stakeholders. The programme will also inform consideration of a feed-in-tariff mechanism for electricity produced through micro-generation.

SEI's Low Carbon Housing programme is providing incentives to developers planning to include Photovoltaic and other autogeneration technologies in prospective developments. This programme supersedes the "House of Tomorrow" programme and is designed to support and promote low energy consumption and low carbon dioxide emissions in new dwellings, to a level of performance beyond the envisaged revisions to the Building Regulations in 2010. Subject to overall budgetary considerations, grant support of up to €15,000 per unit based on 40% of eligible expenditure is available for whole house solutions incorporating energy efficiency design and renewable energy technology features.

The revised Building Regulations Part L now require the mandatory inclusion of renewable energy systems in a domestic building. The Building Energy Rating (BER) certification system also allows homeowners to improve their BER by incorporating PV systems into the building.

In February 2007 exemptions from the requirement to apply for planning permission for certain categories of micro-generation technologies including Solar Photovoltaic were introduced under Statutory Instrument. S.I. No. 83 of 2007 "Planning and Development Regulations 2007". Following further consultation last year, SI 235 of 2008 "Planning and Development Regulations 2008", provides for further planning exemptions for additional classes of renewable energy installations including large Solar Photovoltaic installations.