Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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332. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to examine issues regarding soler PV approvals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37386/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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This is a matter for the ESB. I am aware of the potential for restrictions on the export capacity of individual farms in respect of which support for the installation of solar panels is sought.

I understand that ESB Networks may place restrictions on the maximum export from a farm depending upon the capacity of the local network to take electricity from renewable sources.

It is my understanding that the restrictions are due to the capacity of the local power lines, the size of the relevant transformer, the number of customers being fed by the line, the distance from the transformer, the presence of any other solar panels on the line and other loading issues.

ESB Networks reviews each application for the connection of solar panels to the network and determines the maximum export capacity for each installation.

I understand that ESB Networks is working to develop the electricity network to maximise the amount of renewable electricity production systems that can be connected to the electricity grid.