Micro-generation support

Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) launched

The new Government Micro-generation Support Scheme, unveiled just before Christmas, was devised to assist homes and businesses develop renewable generation for self-consumption. In addition, it includes a framework for payments for the first time to micro-generators for exported electricity.

Target

The MSS is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the target of up to 2.5GW of solar renewables under the Climate Action Plan. Depending on panel size, that equates to over one million solar panels installed on approximately 70,000 buildings.

Domestic applicants

Homeowners will be eligible to receive a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff, at a competitive rate, for any exported electricity to their electricity supplier.

They will also will continue to be eligible to apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing equipment. In 2022, the grants will be at the same level per kW as the current SEAI solar PV grant scheme (maximum €2,400).

Non-domestic applicants

Non-domestic applicants will also be eligible to receive the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff, for any exported electricity, at a competitive market rate from their electricity supplier.

Projects of between 6kW and 50kW will receive a Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff per kWh exported, for a period of 15 years, from their electricity supplier. The Clean Export Premium (CEP) will be €0.135/kWh in 2022, which is higher than the current average wholesale electricity price. Any difference between the CEP tariff and wholesale electricity prices will be supported by the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy. Exported volumes of electricity eligible for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff will be capped at 80% of generation capacity, to incentivise self-consumption.

It is expected that the Clean Export Premium (CEP) will begin in the third quarter of 2022, when a payment mechanism will be determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

Businesses, farms, community buildings such as schools, sports clubs, etc generating up to 5.9kW will be eligible for an SEAI grant at the same levels as domestic customers. This specific grant will be available later in 2022.

Community participation

Community enterprises such as sports clubs and community halls will be eligible to participate, either as individual microgenerators or as community projects within the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS).