196. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current status of work to develop the regulatory and technical standards required to facilitate the use of plug-in solar systems in Ireland; the timeline for introducing any necessary legislative or regulatory changes to permit their safe use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56726/26]

197. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps being taken to facilitate the introduction of plug-in solar systems as a low-cost microgeneration option for households; whether consideration is being given to introducing a simplified approval process for such systems in line with best practice in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56727/26]

216. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for a timeline on the review and approval for sale and use of plug-in photovoltaic solar panels in Ireland; if these panels will be approved before the end of this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57803/26]

217. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will clarify whether plug-in photovoltaic solar panels, once approved for sale and use in Ireland, will be eligible for the same supports currently available to rooftop solar PV systems, including the 0% VAT rate and grant aid under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) domestic solar PV scheme; whether these supports are being considered as part of the current policy development process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57804/26]

218. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether battery storage systems used in conjunction with plug-in solar panels are being considered for approval for sale and use in Ireland as part of the review of plug-in photovoltaic panels, with a view to ensuring households can maximise self-consumption, improve grid flexibility and enhance the overall benefits of the technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57805/26]

239. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when plug-in solar systems will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58894/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 197, 216, 217, 218 and 239 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 home's internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies or 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.

Government is 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. For that reason, in May, I wrote to ESB Networks (ESBN) requesting that, in its capacity as the body responsible for safety regulations and technical standards for the distribution grid, it works with the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Safe Electric and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to prioritise and accelerate the development of standards that will permit the use of plug-in solar systems in Ireland.

The Managing Director of ESBN has since responded confirming ESBN's support for the safe, proportionate use of small, plug-in solar or battery devices up to a total of 800 W (AC) provided that the following conditions are met:

• customer and public safety are prioritised and assured;

• network integrity and power quality are maintained in all operating conditions;

• the distribution system operator has appropriate visibility of connected generation through a simple registration process; and

devices meet the relevant technical and product standards.

ESBN has commenced work in that regard and has written to other key stakeholders with a view to coordinating the respective positions and set out a shared pathway to accelerate the deployment of plug-in solar and storage. Engagement with Eirgrid to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the impact of plug-in generation on the transmission network will also take place.

A Working Group has been established to address the technical, safety and other issues that need to be addressed so that the technology can be introduced as quickly as possible. Officials from my Department, ESBN, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Safe Electric and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission are represented on the Working Group which is chaired by ESBN.

The current focus of the Working Group relates to delivering plug-in solar systems in Ireland. The SEAI's grants are kept under review on an ongoing basis.