New scheme will help turn homes into renewable power stations – Mulherin

A new scheme has been launched by the Government to support domestic customers who install solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels on their homes, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

The scheme was announced by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten.

Senator Michelle Mulherin, member of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action, said the new micro generation scheme will help local communities generate their own electricity and will also help Ireland work towards its climate action targets.

Senator Mulherin said: “I am delighted that the Government has launched this pilot scheme to promote renewable energy. In addition to the renewable energy scheme the grant amounts for homeowners to install attic insulation, cavity wall insulation and/or internal wall insulation is also increasing.

“This is very positive and practical step to enable householders to take control and lessen their carbon footprint. It will help them to introduce renewable solar electricity into the energy mix consumed by their house. On top of that they will see a significant reduction in their electricity bills.

“The provision of storage through batteries is a very important development and solution.

“Fine Gael introduced the first ever climate change legislation in Ireland, which reinforced our international commitments to tackle climate change. Fine Gael believes that the transition to a low carbon society by 2050 is an achievable and realistic goal and one that will support a more sustainable economy,” the Mayo Senator said.