Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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140. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment whether solar panels are covered under the “fully funded energy upgrade scheme” administered by SEAI and funded by his Department; if they are, the number of solar houses provided with solar panels in each of the past five years; if not, if it is intended to extend the scheme to cover them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44781/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Scheme.

The scheme seeks to reduce the amount of energy a household needs by reducing heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replacing heating systems where required under Building Regulations. This is in line with the fabric first/energy efficiency first principle and best practice.

SEAI are currently piloting the installation of renewable technologies, mainly heat pumps, where a major renovation is taking place. The purpose of the pilot is to test the capabilities and the suitability of installing heat pumps in the context of energy poverty objectives for the Warmer Homes Programme.

While Solar PV is not currently offered as a standard upgrade under the scheme, SEAI data indicates that in a small number of homes (fewer than 10) in the pilot, Solar PV has also been installed with a heat pump, with the aim of providing further insights in relation to running costs and uptake. The learnings from piloting PV installations will also inform the approach to compliance with future changes to the Building Regulations for major renovations under the scheme.

Homes built prior to 2021 are eligible for part funded grants for Solar PV. Further details can be found on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie.