Green Party Steven Matthews has welcomed the announcement by his party leader, Minister Eamon Ryan that will provide grants of up to €2,400 for the installation of solar PV (photovoltaic) panels – for businesses, public organisations and community groups. The new grant scheme will be administered by the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland).
Discussing the announcement, Deputy Matthews said:
“The current high cost of electricity is an enormous burden on businesses and community organisations, and I am contacted on a daily basis by business owners, community leaders and service providers outlining the enormous challenges they are facing in paying their energy bills. This grant funding for solar panels has the potential to be a game changer.
“At the current high electricity prices, a business might expect to save up to €3,000 per annum from a solar PV system supported under this scheme. This means that the installation can pay for itself quickly – helping to future proof businesses and organisations across Wicklow against rising energy prices.
“This new support scheme is part of a wider roll-out of initiatives to make the installation of solar PV easier and more cost effective for homeowners, businesses and public bodies. With these grants, more businesses, organisations and community groups can start to take greater control of their energy costs by harnessing the power of the sun – providing for their own needs first, with the additional bonus of getting paid for excess energy that they might produce.
“With upcoming changes to planning exemptions, being able to sell excess energy back to the grid, and capital supports from SEAI, it’s an ideal time for anybody to consider going solar to save money and to help reduce our emissions. I would encourage any business owner, community group or sports club that want to look into this grant, to get in touch and I would be more than happy to talk them through the application process, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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