Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

175. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration will be given to changing regulations to allow household solar PV energy generation in the event of a power cut, provided a changeover switch is installed and thereby isolating the property from the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41338/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 total 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 only be operated when the electricity supply is disconnected in particular circumstances, with set-ups compliant with National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) wiring regulations. More information on how this can be safely implemented is available on the ESBN website: Connect a Micro-Generator.