Ireland Launches Micro Generation Scheme

• Ireland has introduced a pilot scheme for micro generation from solar PV panels
• The scheme will entitle residential solar PV system installations for captive use to be eligible for grants
• The government says if the systems are accompanied by battery storage component, then additional grants may be extended
• A six-month review will follow to assess the costs of installations to help chart out future prospect of the scheme to other groups and technologies

Ireland has launched a new micro generation scheme to support solar PV installations on residential houses. The pilot scheme will back installation of PV panels for self-consumption. For these systems, grants will be provided by the government. Additional grants will be available if the systems have a battery storage component as well.

Earlier this year, Irish Minister for Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), Denis Naughten had announced his government's plans to open a grant-aided pilot scheme for solar PV microgeneration (see Ireland To Launch PV Microgeneration Program).

Under the pilot scheme, there will be a six-month review during which costs of installations will be assessed, basis which requisite changes will be introduced to broaden the scheme to other groups, as well as technologies.

"With this grant that I am announcing today, a typical 3 bed semi-detached house would spend about €1,800 ($2099) on a solar panel system and would save approximately €220 ($256) per year on their electricity bills. The government is committed to helping citizens reduce their energy use and making clean energy cheaper and affordable to use," said Naughten.

The pilot scheme will be funded by the DCCAE and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will administer the same. It was finalized after a Behavioural and Attitudes (B&A) study into micro generation was undertaken by SEAI in June 2018.