Good practice:

Domestic Solar PV Pilot Scheme

In the absence of any feed-in tariffs for domestic solar PV surplus electricity, this pilot scheme was launched in 2018. It offered a once-off grant payment to a homeowner based on the installation of products which meet the requirements of the scheme. The eligible technologies were solar PV systems (including metering etc.) and battery storage systems. The maximum grant support levels were as follows: Solar PV Systems EUR700/kWp | Battery Storage EUR 1,000.

Systems had to be be sized for self-consumption of energy within the home (no feed-in tariff) and could include solar PV systems up to 2kWp (about 6 to 8 panels) or solar PV systems with battery storage up to 4kWp. In order to meet scheme requirements, the battery had to provide minimum storage of 2kWh and be connected to minimum 2kWp system.

In December 2019 a number of changes were introduced. The changes followed a review of the scheme’s operation and uptake over the previous 16 months. This included scaling the grant amounts to steer homeowners towards systems that are sized appropriately for household self-consumption and a reduction in the grant for battery storage. The changes were part of the continued evolution of the solar PV scheme, ahead of a transition to the enduring support scheme (feed-in tariff) for microgeneration enabling homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity, as envisaged in the Irish Governments Climate Action Plan 2019.

Since the scheme started in 2018, over €3.5 million in grants have been paid towards over 1,500 domestic PV systems with an installed capacity of over 5,000 kWp. In the same 16 month period, the number of registered PV installers has increased from 13 to over 100.

This pilot scheme has enabled a growing solar PV installer base and reductions in installation costs. A healthy market for domestic solar PV benefits homeowners through choice and value. It is vital that homeowners are guided to invest in appropriately sized solar systems. Oftentimes solar PV is not the best first choice for a home energy upgrade. Changes introduced on completion of the pilot rebalance support to this market in a targeted and appropriate manner.

Many applicants installed larger capacity systems than their needs; installing 2.8kWp systems on average whereas less than 2kWp is appropriate for the average Irish home. Some installed solar PV on homes with very low building energy ratings, they should have prioritised energy efficiency measures.

The scheme has been successful in stimulating the deployment of solar PV and energy storage systems into homes. The technology has been widely accepted by consumers, and there is growing demand with many people installing relatively large systems in their homes. Typically, an installation would provide one-third of a home’s electricity demand. The supply chain has grown from 13 to over 100 registered companies in one year. New companies are continuing to register with the scheme. Through the scheme, SEAI developed a Code of Practice, which set minimum requirements for good practice installations. Industry associations have welcomed this. SEAI is working with the National Standards Agency of Ireland to develop the future national standard for design and installation of solar PV which will be important to support the continued development of this sector. Other regions could consider similar RES pilots perhaps combining the grant with a low cost loan through a financial instrument.