254. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken by his Department to encourage the use of plug-in solar nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/26]

260. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when submissions received as part of the Department’s September to October 2024 consultation on the optional provisions under Directive (EU) 2024/1711, including those relating to plug in mini solar systems, are expected to be published; whether it is intended that such submissions will be published in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34278/26]

261. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the potential impact of plug in mini solar systems on electricity bills, emissions reductions and grid demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34279/26]

262. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has examined the rollout of balcony or plug in solar systems in other EU member states, including Germany; any findings or conclusions arising from such examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34280/26]

272. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when he expects to publish the responses received as part of the Department’s September to October 2024 consultation on plug in mini solar systems; whether his Department intends to publish a roadmap or framework for the potential introduction of plug in mini solar systems in Ireland; the engagement that has taken place with ESB Networks, Safe Electric, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and relevant authorities in other European jurisdictions regarding possible regulatory and safety arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34863/26]

273. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the potential benefits of plug-in mini solar systems for households that may not be able to access traditional rooftop solar installations, including apartment residents, renters and persons living in social and affordable housing; whether consideration is being given to any pilot scheme involving local authorities or approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34864/26]

274. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether his Department has examined the regulatory approaches taken in Germany and the United Kingdom in relation to plug-in mini solar systems; whether consideration is being given to the development of an Irish safety and certification framework, including approved equipment standards, installation guidance, consumer protection measures and limits on system size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34865/26]

I propose to take Question No 254, 260, 261, 262, 272,273 and 274 together.

Plug-in solar systems are very small PV energy systems, usually two or three modules and less than 1 kW in total per installation, which are connected to a micro-inverter and plugged directly into a normal household socket. This then feeds the house’s internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies or in outdoor spaces. The use of plug-in mini solar technology has grown in some EU countries in recent years as consumers search for ways to save on high energy bills. It has seen particular growth in Germany, where 700,000 systems have been registered, although it is believed that the majority of systems in use there remain unregistered. As Minister, I am supportive of any technology which can reduce costs for households and consumers and increase the share of renewables in our system, provided that it can be integrated safely.

Officials from my Department engaged with stakeholders on the optional provisions in the 2024 Electricity Market Design Directive, including the provision relating to plug-in mini solar systems, through a consultation that ran from September to October 2024. Responses to the option to promote the use of plug-in mini solar technology urged caution, highlighting that a current lack of regulation of these systems could lead to safety risks such as electrical faults or fires in the event of a malfunction. As a result, it is important that the introduction of the technology is given appropriate consideration. It was also noted that without a registration process in place, the Distribution System Operator would have no visibility on where these systems would be in use and the impact they would have on the grid. The responses to this consultation will be published on gov.ie in the coming weeks.

I have requested that the work to consider plug-in solar be expedited by relevant parties, including ESB Networks, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Safe Electric. My officials are also in contact with officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK in relation to the recently announced intention by the UK Government to regulate for the sale and use of plug-in mini solar systems. EU Guidance on the matter is also being considered.