230. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to clarity the implementation of grants for battery storage in relation to solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52395/26]

The Microgeneration Support Scheme provides supports to both domestic and non-domestic applicants, in the form of grants for solar PV installations, up to a maximum of €1,800 in 2026 for household installations.

Since its launch in 2022, the Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme has gone from strength to strength with:

• over 10,000 applicants supported in 2022;

• 22,214 in 2023;

• 28,000 in 2024; and

• over 33,000 last year.

Budget 2026 has allocated over €67m to this year’s scheme. So far this year over 15,000 homes have been supported.

This high level of demand indicates that the scheme is working well and that not only have citizens recognised the significant benefits of investing in solar PV, but that the solar PV industry and supply chain have adapted to the demands of our citizens. The scheme will be kept under review to ensure it is operating effectively and making the best use of Exchequer funding.

The cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT), chaired by my Department, was established June 2025 to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026 including new measures to further support householders contained in the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades, in particular for lower-income households at risk of energy poverty, and continued development of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. The Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer term measures (including targeted measures) to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs. The Action Plan will be completed in Q3 of this year.