John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1110. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy on solar farms and the price structure for the sale of electricity to the national grid; if he has finalised the price structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9845/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Solar has the potential to contribute to meeting Ireland's renewable energy objectives and the Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects. This builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future.

It is widely recognised that solar photo voltaic (PV) technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation. The deployment of solar PV in Ireland has the potential to contribute to our renewable energy targets and is one of the technologies being considered in the context of a new support scheme for renewable electricity generation. A key component of this will be consideration of all available technologies, their cost effectiveness and the level of support required.

It is also recognised that while the cost competitiveness of solar PV has improved, it would still require a subsidy in order to be developed on a commercial basis. The provision and design of any subsidy will be the subject of detailed economic appraisal.

Before a final decision is taken on introducing a new support scheme - which may include support for solar PV - my Department will run a public consultation, which will give all interested parties an opportunity to participate in the development of the scheme. Details of the next public consultation will be advertised on the Department's website www.dcenr.gov.ie. Before any such scheme could be introduced, it would have to secure Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.