112. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if grants are available for the installation of solar panels in new build properties. [60655/26]

159. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department or the SEAI is considering extending eligibility for solar PV grants to owners of new dwellings constructed since 2021; whether a review of the current eligibility criteria is underway; the rationale for the continued exclusion of such homes from grant support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61845/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 159 together.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Micro-generation Support Scheme, which provides grant support of up to €1,800 towards the installation of domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Under the current scheme, grant support is available in respect of houses that were built and occupied before 2021.

Since its introduction in 2022, the domestic Solar PV Scheme has supported strong and sustained growth in the deployment of renewable electricity generation at household level. Approximately 10,000 homes received support in 2022, rising to over 22,000 in 2023 and more than 28,000 in 2024. In 2025, over 33,000 installations were supported, and this momentum has continued in 2026, with more than 31,000 applications received and over 18,000 installations completed by the end of July.

The current scheme built upon the success of an earlier pilot programme. As part of the transition to the current scheme, eligibility was expanded significantly with the qualifying construction date extended from homes built before 2011 to those built before 2021. This broadened access to grant support for a substantial number of additional households.

The rationale for the current eligibility criteria reflects the requirement that all new dwellings comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, which sets minimum standards for the energy performance of buildings. While solar PV technology can contribute towards meeting these standards, compliance may also be achieved through a range of alternative measures, including heat pumps and solar thermal technologies. Decisions regarding the most appropriate technology mix for a new dwelling are a matter for the homeowner and builder.

Furthermore, the cost of incorporating solar PV during the construction phase of a dwelling is generally significantly lower than the cost of retrofitting an existing home. In the context of finite Exchequer resources, directing grant support towards older homes where retrofit costs are higher represents the most effective and targeted use of public funding.

Accordingly, grant support under the SEAI's Solar PV Scheme is not currently available for new homes constructed since 2021.

I would, however, draw attention to the fact that the supply and installation of solar panels for private dwellings is subject to a zero per cent VAT rate. This measure, which took effect on 1 May 2023, reduces the upfront cost of installing solar PV systems and supports households in reducing their energy bills.

The National Energy Affordability Taskforce, chaired by my Department, continues to examine measures aimed at improving energy affordability for households and businesses. The Taskforce's first report informed a range of measures contained in Budget 2026 and the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026. As part of its ongoing work, the Taskforce is considering options to support increased uptake of energy efficiency and retrofit measures, particularly among lower-income households and those at risk of energy poverty, as well as the continued evolution of SEAI support schemes in line with Programme for Government commitments. An Energy Affordability Action Plan is currently being prepared for consideration by Government in the coming weeks.

The SEAI's retrofit schemes are kept under continuous review and changes to the eligibility criteria for any scheme are, and will continue to be, considered in the context of overall policy objectives, available funding and the Government's broader approach to supporting energy affordability and decarbonisation in the residential sector.