2024 is the year for rooftop solar, says Offaly councillor
Recent data shows there are over 75,000 registered microgenerators across Ireland, most of these are homes generating their own electricity through Solar PV.
Edenderry Councillor Mark Hackett believes that 2024 is the year that many more roofs across Offaly will be covered in Solar PV panels.
“I believe 2024 will be the ‘sweet spot’ for homeowners to buy into Solar. Planning permission has been scrapped for most situations for domestic solar panels, VAT has been abolished on their purchase and households can now sell any excess electricity they generate back to the national grid.
"I appreciate the initial cost of the system may have put some people off. Within the next couple of months, most commercial lenders will offer State backed, low-cost loans to work in tandem with SEAI grants. I see this as a gamechanger.”
“It's worth noting that the SEAI grant has reduced and it is anticipated that no grant support will be available from 2029 onwards; so now is the time to get on board!”
The Green Party Councillor says it is the same situation for farms. “On our farm near Geashill, we have applied for a system through the TAMS Solar Capital Investment Scheme. We expect this to be installed by late Spring, early Summer, just in time for the longer days and it will also contribute to our home’s electricity demand. I know of many farmers who have already installed solar and the feedback is very positive.”
Schools across Offaly will have fully funded systems installed this year. And businesses can avail of SEAI supports for non-domestic systems.
“I believe the potential for communities to benefit from solar projects is really exciting. The Community Climate Action Fund is now open through Offaly County Council. It will support communities to take climate action at a local level and this can include renewable energy projects.”
“The Government is currently working on the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) which will determine the export tariff to support small scale and community renewable projects. It is due to be launched in the coming months and communities have the potential to earn an income for the medium to long term. Solar is a win-win-win, helping us to manage electricity costs, reduce our emissions and support our energy independence.”