Written answers
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Solar Energy Guidelines
John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
131. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of Government-owned buildings which have been retrofitted with solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60217/25]
James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
134. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has considered a policy around installing solar panels on all State buildings around the country; the status regarding the creation of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60443/25]
Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 134 together.
There is currently a range of measures in place to support the rollout of solar panels on public buildings. The Non-Domestic Micro-generation Scheme provides capital grants for non-domestic applicants, including public buildings, for solar PV installations up to 1000kW, primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €162,600 available. This scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Solar PV is also supported as one of a range of measures under the SEAI's Community Energy Grant Scheme as part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme. This scheme supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types, including public, commercial and community buildings. In addition, over 2,000 schools have installed free solar PV systems under the Schools Photovoltaic Programme. The overall number of Government-owned buildings which have been retrofitted with solar panels is not collected by my Department.
No comments