Written answers

Tuesday, 6 December 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Renewable Energy Generation

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of installing solar PV panels in every domestic house in the country; the estimated surplus energy these panels would generate for the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60961/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The design of such a scheme would take considerable study and analysis which has not been under consideration at this time. Not every domestic house in the country would be suitable for Solar PV panels due to a number of constraints such as roof access, position of the property, shade from trees and other buildings and structural issues. The MaREI research centre did recently publish a high level study on the potential for around one million homes being suitable for varying sizes of Solar PV installations. By way of an example, using the average Solar PV system size of 3 kW, at an approximate cost of €7,500 per installation; the total cost would be €7.5 billion for one million homes. It is important to note that installation costs will vary depending on a number of factors. This includes the panel type/technology or whether a hot water diversion control system or battery is installed; as well as normal marketplace differentials and economy of scale opportunities.

On average, each 3kW solar PV system will produce approximately 2,400 kWh of renewable electricity per annum; resulting in a total production of on average 2,400 GWh across those one million homes per year. The amount these solar PV panels would send to the grid will depend on the homeowners consumption patterns and the time of year, among other factors.

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