David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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92. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1644 of 23 July 2024, the actions he has taken, or intends to take, as a result of the case referenced being brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38148/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Solar Capital Investment Scheme is a measure under the The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy. To encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided to assist farmers in maximising their production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV panels, together with battery storage.

The safety of Solar PV systems, both at installation phase and for subsequent use by TAMS applicants, is of paramount importance. My Department has introduced technical specification S198 - Minimum Specification for the Installation of Solar PV Systems, which covers all relevant electrical and structural standards.

The solar PV installer, who must be registered with my Department, is required to sign off on a testing and commissioning report that confirms that the system is ready for electricity generation in a safe manner, in line with the latest electrical standards applicable. This, together with the provision of an ETCI certificate by a Safe Electric-registered electrician ensures that the work is completed to a high standard. My Department checks, both at TAMS application stage and at payment processing stage, that the solar PV installer in question is on my Department’s Solar PV registered list.

A solar PV installer is required to submit a completed Solar PV Installer registration form and a Certificate of Public & Employers Liability Insurance in order to be included on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s .

There is also a requirement that the Safe Electric-registered electrician who signs the Inspection, Testing and Commissioning Report for the solar PV installation provides evidence of their registration status with Safe Electric Ireland. This is by means of a Qualified Certifier Number provided by Safe Electric Ireland or a Safe Electric card that confirms the individual’s business registration by Safe Electric Ireland.

A further requirement is that the electrician provides evidence that they have completed training courses in 1) Solar Photovoltaic Panel Implementation, and 2) Electrical installation of Micro-Generators. In this regard, QQI Award Certification (for training modules 6N0306 and 6N0307), or equivalent, is acceptable.

My Department will continue to ensure that the nominated installer that carries out the installation works is an installer registered with the Department, and that all electricians who sign the testing and commissioning reports are registered with Safe Electric Ireland.