Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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217. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department are examining solutions to allow solar PVs to continue to generate electricity to power homes during power outages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8002/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government on 21 December 2021, to support Ireland’s ambitious targets for micro-generation installations under the Climate Action Plan. The MSS provides supports to both domestic and non-domestic applicants, in the form of grants for Solar PV installations, up to a maximum of €1,800 in 2025 for household installations.

Moreover, households who install battery storage solutions as part of their solar PV system, can avail of 0% VAT on the supply and installations of the entire system. With the cost of batteries having dropped significantly in recent years, such systems provide an even greater opportunity for consumers to make energy cost savings, as well as to provide greater flexibility and resilience to the national grid.

To comply with safety requirements set by ESB Networks and SEAI's code of practice for installers, solar PV systems are designed to automatically disconnect in the event of a power outage. ESBN advise that such systems can be only be operated when the electricity supply is disconnected in particular circumstances, with set-ups compliant with NSAI wiring regulations. More information on how this can be safely implemented is available on the ESBN website: www.esbnetworks.ie/help-centre/generator-connections/connect-a-micro-generator.

Further work needs to be undertaken to assess the feasibility of supporting such smart energy solutions to increase system resilience and support the growth of renewable energy sources on the grid. My Department chairs the Smart Energy Services Working group which brings together energy sector stakeholders to develop methods to support greater consumer uptake of smart energy solutions, and empower people to benefit directly from the energy transition.