Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien is set to bring a package of measures to Cabinet to extend the eligibility of a popular solar grant scheme to houses built and occupied before 2025. Previously, the scheme was limited to homes built before 2021, a restriction that left out newer property owners facing escalating energy costs.
Eligibility Expansion for Newer Builds Under €1,800 Scheme
The solar grant scheme allows successful applicants to claim a maximum grant of €1,800 after finishing the required installation works. Minister O’Brien’s upcoming Cabinet memo will move the cutoff date from 2021 to 2025, opening up the financial aid to a broader range of domestic properties. Department figures indicate that homes built between 2020 and 2025 are less likely to feature installed solar PV systems compared to homes constructed between 2015 and 2020.
Building Regulations Shifted Focus to Heat Pumps
Older homes built in the latter half of the previous decade frequently added solar photovoltaic technology to meet renewable energy requirements outlined in building regulations. However, updates to those same building regulations in 2021 altered developer behavior. According to the department, more new builds opted to install heat pumps rather than solar panels to satisfy compliance thresholds.
Pro Tip: Homeowners planning upgrades can review the guidelines to ensure their property meets the post-work verification requirements before submitting applications.
Affordability Pressures Driven by Global Market Shifts
The decision by Minister O’Brien to expand the renewable energy scheme directly addresses mounting affordability issues for households. Surging domestic energy costs have been exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Did You Know? The current solar PV grant scheme officially came into operation in February 2022, following the conclusion of an earlier pilot program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum grant amount available under the scheme?
Successful applicants can receive a maximum grant of €1,800 after their solar PV installation works have been completed.
Which houses will become eligible under the new Cabinet package?
The proposed extension will open eligibility to houses built and occupied before 2025, changing the previous cutoff of 2021.
Why did homes built after 2021 install fewer solar panels initially?
Changes to building regulations in 2021 meant that many newer builds chose to install heat pumps instead of solar PV to meet renewable energy requirements.
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