Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
197. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will make a grant available for the installation of batteries as part of a residential solar panel system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27609/23]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) who administer Domestic Solar PV grants under the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), conducted a review of previous battery grants that had been available prior to the implementation of the MSS and found that given the current high cost of batteries, coupled with their low storage capacities and their relatively short lifespan (currently in the region of 10 years), that a stand-alone battery grant did not represent efficient use of Exchequer funds. The current grant rate of up to €2,400 under the Domestic Solar PV scheme, is based on the kWp size of the installed solar PV system and does not prevent an applicant from installing a battery or other such energy storage solution, such as a hot water diverter. Furthermore, since 1 May 2023, the VAT rate for solar panels and ancillary equipment has been reduced to 0%. This reduction means that the cost of solar pv equipment, including batteries that are installed alongside the solar panels as part of the same supply and install contract, are now significantly reduced.
Additionally, the introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) ensures that?any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises is now eligible for an export payment which further supports the investment.
It should also be noted that the Government offers supports to deliver on the target of 1 million Electric Vehicles (EV) to be deployed by 2030. EV batteries have significantly higher capacities than a typical domestic battery storage solution for Solar PV systems. Moreover, with the ongoing development of smart energy technology such as Vehicle to Grid charging, it is expected that in the near future EV batteries will be used to store excess micro-generated electricity during the day and provide electricity after daylight, which could represent a good investment for householders.
