Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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154. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the feed-in tariff for homes with PV panels will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55703/21]

Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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169. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has plans to regularise the payments that smaller scale hydroelectric generators receive for the electricity they supply to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56174/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 169 together.

The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff will represent the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, including micro- and small-scale hydroelectric, wind and solar PV installations. This will allow them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, reflective of the market value of that electricity.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlined the details for the introduction of the CEG payment. The consultation is now closed and I understand a decision is expected to be published this month and a compensation regime expected to follow  shortly afterwards.

The CRU propose that a competitive market based approach will apply to the CEG tariff. The CRU decision will outline the eligibility criteria which must be met in order for a renewables self-consumer to be eligible to receive the CEG. It is expected that these will include having an export grid connection from ESB Networks.

In addition, where the customer's meter type is eligible for upgrade under the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP), a smart meter must be installed. Where a customer's eligible meter type has not yet been upgraded under the NSMP, the CRU proposes that a deemed or estimated export calculation will apply.

In relation to micro- and small-scale hydro installations, where there is an element of self-consumption on site and the eligibility criteria established by the CRU are met, then they will be eligible to receive the CEG. This will not impact upon generators with no self-consumption who have existing power purchase agreement contracts with suppliers.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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155. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline any solar strategy to ensure a greater share of electricity is generated through solar PV; if there are plans to retrofit every home in the country with solar panels; if solar PV will be made more accessible to schools, GAA clubs and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55842/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government commits to expanding and incentivising micro-generation, and to developing a solar strategy to ensure that a greater share of our electricity needs is met through solar PV.

The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG)  tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, including solar PV. This will allow them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, reflective of the market value of that electricity. 

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework for the CET on 1 October. The consultation is now closed and I understand a decision is expected to be published this month and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards.

My Department is developing a final scheme design for the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS). It is expected that a proposal on the supports to be offered for new installations under the Scheme will be submitted to Government by year end. 

On retrofitting of solar PV, supports for solar PV are currently available under the SEAI solar PV grant scheme and as one of a range of measures supported under the National Home Retrofit and Communities Energy Grant Schemes.

Regarding accessibility, it is expected that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will bring forward revised Regulations early next year to reduce barriers to solar PV adoption. I also understand that ESB Networks will shortly begin a trial of an updated and simplified grid connection process for micro-generators in the 12-50kW range.