TAMS II grants have been extended from the current tranche of applications to include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for all farmers. The grant rates are the same as for other items, at 40% under the Animal Housing, young farmers, Organics, Pigs and Poultry measures, and 60% under the young farmers measure.
1. Get an energy survey
The new TAMS II terms and conditions state: “100% of the electricity generated from the panels must be consumed on the applicant’s holding for farming purposes. It is not permitted to use or export the electricity generated for domestic, commercial or non farming consumption.” A survey of energy needs on the farm must verify this.
2. Size your system
Grants are available for up to 6kWp generation capacity. Michael O’Donoghue of the Department of Agriculture said this limit was chosen because it will accommodate the needs of most dairy farms. You can plan for a larger system, but bear in mind that:
The grant will be capped at the value of a 6kWp system.Nobody currently pays for excess electricity not used on your farm and sent into the grid.Installation costs must be weighed against the savings on electricity bills. Reference costs acceptable under TAMS II are €1,044/kWp of panels installed, €1,340 for the inverter and services, and €505/kWh for batteries. The battery need will be assessed in the energy survey. However a leading solar installer warned that costs for a quality small system within the scheme’s 6kWp grant limit was likely to be over €1,500/kWp. “My fear is that this is settting an unrealistic price expectation for the industry,” he said.
Advisers recommend a system that covers slightly less than the overall farm’s needs during the sunnier summer months. If you include a battery, peak generation around midday can be stored for use during milking and cooling later. Installers will run simulations for you.
3. Design your system
With your installer, decide where your panels and inverters will be located.
A 6kWp solar PV system represents 20 panels occupying 33m2 of roof space. Roof-mounted solar panels are exempt from planning permission under 50m2 or 50% of the building’s roof space. The inverter needed to convert direct current from the panels to alternative current used in the mains is a small box the size of a suitcase. Plan for wired connections between the panels, inverter and existing fuse board and meter.
4. Lodge your application
O’Donoghue said the online TAMS II application must include the following documents:
Energy survey signed by the installer.Farmyard plan with the location of the equipment including PV panels, inverter and batteries.Detailed drawing of the location of the solar installation, its orientation, the location of other buildings, obstructions such as trees, and mounting type.5. Apply to ESB Networks
You need to send the details of your plans to ESB Networks on an NC6 micro-generation notification form. There is no need for a generation grid connection under 6kW (single phase) or 11kW (three-phase) capacity. If there is no objection from ESB Networks within 20 working days, the installation can proceed. Once the Department of Agriculture approves the TAMS II grant, you’re good to go!
TAMS II grants have been extended from the current tranche of applications to include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for all farmers. The grant rates are the same as for other items, at 40% under the Animal Housing, young farmers, Organics, Pigs and Poultry measures, and 60% under the young farmers measure.
1. Get an energy survey
The new TAMS II terms and conditions state: “100% of the electricity generated from the panels must be consumed on the applicant’s holding for farming purposes. It is not permitted to use or export the electricity generated for domestic, commercial or non farming consumption.” A survey of energy needs on the farm must verify this.
2. Size your system
Grants are available for up to 6kWp generation capacity. Michael O’Donoghue of the Department of Agriculture said this limit was chosen because it will accommodate the needs of most dairy farms. You can plan for a larger system, but bear in mind that:
The grant will be capped at the value of a 6kWp system.Nobody currently pays for excess electricity not used on your farm and sent into the grid.Installation costs must be weighed against the savings on electricity bills. Reference costs acceptable under TAMS II are €1,044/kWp of panels installed, €1,340 for the inverter and services, and €505/kWh for batteries. The battery need will be assessed in the energy survey. However a leading solar installer warned that costs for a quality small system within the scheme’s 6kWp grant limit was likely to be over €1,500/kWp. “My fear is that this is settting an unrealistic price expectation for the industry,” he said.
Advisers recommend a system that covers slightly less than the overall farm’s needs during the sunnier summer months. If you include a battery, peak generation around midday can be stored for use during milking and cooling later. Installers will run simulations for you.
3. Design your system
With your installer, decide where your panels and inverters will be located.
A 6kWp solar PV system represents 20 panels occupying 33m2 of roof space. Roof-mounted solar panels are exempt from planning permission under 50m2 or 50% of the building’s roof space. The inverter needed to convert direct current from the panels to alternative current used in the mains is a small box the size of a suitcase. Plan for wired connections between the panels, inverter and existing fuse board and meter.
4. Lodge your application
O’Donoghue said the online TAMS II application must include the following documents:
Energy survey signed by the installer.Farmyard plan with the location of the equipment including PV panels, inverter and batteries.Detailed drawing of the location of the solar installation, its orientation, the location of other buildings, obstructions such as trees, and mounting type.5. Apply to ESB Networks
You need to send the details of your plans to ESB Networks on an NC6 micro-generation notification form. There is no need for a generation grid connection under 6kW (single phase) or 11kW (three-phase) capacity. If there is no objection from ESB Networks within 20 working days, the installation can proceed. Once the Department of Agriculture approves the TAMS II grant, you’re good to go!
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