DEAR SIR,

Last September you kindly posted a message from me regarding the reluctance of the Government to acknowledge the pivotal role renewable micro-generation could have for domestic and small business here in Ireland.

Almost a year later and the Government is about to announce details of a pilot project for solar PV on rooftops.

Many hundreds of home owners and business people have answered Government questions on the importance of small-scale private and community-based renewable projects.

This is phase 1 and, as we understand it, there will be a grant of up to €3,800 including a battery. This pilot programme will run nationwide until 2020 and is open to all.

One-off grant

The one-off grant will cover a partial cost of the solar PV system, while the savings on using your own source of electricity and the potential for additional income, by exporting excess electricity back to the grid, will deliver a solid return on your investment.

The precise figure for how sound the investment is, will obviously depend on the system purchase price and quality, the level of grant, the location and specific roof orientation combined with an efficient use of the system.

We can now add smart energy management devices to switch loads on/off, heat water and add battery storage to keep your own electricity to be used when required or as a back up service, to maintain critical loads during blackouts.

This initiative is a long time coming and a small step on the road to meeting Ireland’s commitments to agreed renewable energy targets, but it is a step forward.