Search Results

< Back Irish Solar Energy Association reacts to Budget 2023 ​ Irish Solar Energy Association 10 Oct 2023 Climate measures do not go far enough The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has said that while Budget 2024 contains some welcome measures the commitments to address climate change lack urgency and fail to deliver meaningful action. Responding to Budget 2024 ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said “The commitment to invest in climate change through a creation of the new €14bn Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund is to be welcomed. But the crisis we face is now, not in seven year’s time, and there is a lack of clarity on how these investments will address today’s challenges. Bolger did welcome Ireland’s continuing to support the microgeneration of solar energy through rooftop solar panels. “This government has done a lot to support homes to invest in rooftop solar panels. We welcome that this is continuing through the introduction of a new low interest loan scheme and by doubling the tax disregard when a household sells excess solar electricity back on to the grid will increase the tangible benefits of homes investing in solar. In addition, the extension of the zero percent VAT rate for solar equipment purchased by schools is a sensible measure that will assist schools in communities across the country to avail of the solar opportunity. “There is a growing demand from homes and businesses for solar panels. Meeting this demand will require an increase in the number of trained trades people to carry out these installations, the new Craft Apprenticeship system, with funding of €67m, will support the faster rollout of rooftop solar panels. Bolger was severely critical of the failure to remove tax barriers that prevent farmers leasing land for solar developments. “Central to Ireland’s decarbonisation plan is the government’s own stated ambition to develop 8GW of solar energy by 2030. This will require approximately 25,000 acres of solar farms within this decade and making this a reality will require the cooperation of farmers across the country. “All farming families are conscious of tax exemptions to allow land to be passed on to the next generation without punitive tax bills. Inexplicably, this does not apply in instances where more than 50% of land is utilised by solar panels. We had expected the government to remove this arbitrary rule that punishes farmers who engage in renewables and is significantly reducing the availability of land for solar.” Bolger also criticised the government’s continued reliance on electricity credits as short sighted. “ Consumers have been paying too much for electricity for too long and while electricity credits provide an immediate support, they do nothing to fix the problem. A significant percentage of the electricity costs paid in Ireland are within the State’s control and they are not being addressed. These costs need to be scrutinised and our budget should be doing more to encourage the deployment of renewables faster than is currently the case.” Previous Next

Privacy Policy Effective 21 November 2022 The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA, the “Association”), which is registered in the Companies Registration Office as Solar Energy Developers Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee (company number 680365), is a trade association committed to promoting solar energy in Ireland through education, engagement with policymakers and other authorities, and encouraging best practice (the “Purpose”). This website [www.irishsolarenergy.org ] (the “Site”) is owned and operated by ISEA, and was built on the Wix platform. All data is processed by ISEA, as the Site operator. The Site operator can be contacted at info@irishsolarenergy.org for any privacy- or data-related queries. ISEA values the privacy of its members and Site users. The Association will take all necessary steps to ensure all data collected via the Site is kept confidential and used only by those with permitted access. This Site complies with the relevant Irish and European Union (EU) legislation, such as the Regulation 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Site users from the United Kingdom are protected by GDPR as set out in the Data Protection Act 2018. Scope The scope of this Privacy Policy is to inform users of the Site of the following: What user data is collected; How collected data is used; Who has access to collected data; How long user data is stored for; How user data is protected; and What rights users have. 1. What user data is collected ISEA collects data that allows the Association to achieve the Purpose set out in this Privacy Policy. In agreeing with this Privacy Policy, you consent to the conditions outlined in this Privacy Policy, namely the collection and use of your data by ISEA. Collected data includes, but is not limited to: Identifying information (first name, surname, position, affiliated organisation, e-mail address, phone number, address, etc.); Domain which you connect through; Date and time of access to the Site; Location data; Pages viewed on the Site; Search engine and keywords used in reaching the Site; Browser, platform, and operating system information. Most Site user data is collected in a non-automatic manner, typically via forms which require a user’s identifying information to be filled out. Other data (such as location data, date and time of access data, and so forth) is collected in an automatic manner through the Site server and ‘cookies.’ A ‘cookie’ is a small file which is stored on a Site user’s hard drive by the visited Site. Its function is to gather data related to the browsing behaviour of the user. Users will be notified of the existence of cookies on the Site, and can choose to enable or disable cookies. 2. How collected data is used Data collected on the Site will only be used to achieve the Purpose set out in this Privacy Policy or other uses as indicated on the Site itself. User data will not be used beyond what is outlined in this Privacy Policy. Collected data may be used for the following purposes: To disseminate ISEA communications, which may relate to newsletters, event invitations, and other relevant membership engagement and marketing purposes; To qualify leads as prospective members of the Association; To gather statistical data; and To understand Site user behaviour to adjust the Site and ISEA’s service offerings. 3. Who has access to collected data ISEA discloses Site user data to any employee of the Association who reasonably requires access to said user data to achieve the Purpose as outlined in this Privacy Policy. ISEA may also share user data with any subcontractors of the Association. All parties with access to user data are strictly required to treat it with the utmost confidentiality. User data will only be shared with third parties if: It is required by law; It is required for any legal proceedings; To prove or protect ISEA legal rights; and New employees or subcontractors of the Association require access to user data. If a user follows a hyperlink from ISEA’s Site to another website, ISEA will not be responsible for, nor does it have control over, the latter’s privacy policies and practices. The Association will, in any case, endeavour to only include hyperlinks to other websites of a reliable nature. 4. How long user data is stored for User data collected via the Site will be stored for as long as deemed necessary for the achievement of the Association’s Purpose. 5. How user data is protected ISEA will take all reasonable steps to ensure that any and all data collected via the Site is secure. However, given the sometimes-insecure nature of the Internet, ISEA cannot guarantee that user data will be protected beyond the reasonable precautions the Association takes. 6. What rights users have Under GDPR, Site users have the following rights with regard to their data: Right to be informed; Right of access; Right to rectification; Right to erasure; Right to restrict processing; Right to data portability; and Right to object. All Site users may exercise the rights listed above in relation to any user data collected via the Site. In this case, a user can email info@irishsolarenergy.org to make such requests. By using the Site, all users indicate they have read and agree with this Privacy Policy. If a user’s agreement with this Privacy Policy should change at any time after they have used the Site, they should no longer use the Site, nor should they engage with the Association. This Privacy Policy may be changed in the future. Users should ensure that they are still in agreement with this Privacy Policy in the event of changes to said policy. As aforementioned, a user’s continued use of the Site indicates they have read and agree to the Privacy Policy, even after any changes are made.

Fees & Benefits At ISEA, we offer a range of different memberships to accommodate all kinds of needs. If you have any questions about our membership structure, don't hesitate to contact us at membership@irishsolarenergy.org or fill out our Expression of Interest form . Vote at AGM ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Run for annual Board elections ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Working Groups access ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Preference for Working Group chairs ✓ ✓ X X X X 1 person on each committee ✓ X X X X X Visibility of Board correspondence ✓ X X X X X Access to Board papers in Members' Area ✓ X X X X X Right to observe Board meeting ✓ X X X X X Member meeting with ISEA (twice a year) CEO in attendance CEO in attendance ISEA staff X X X ISEA executive access Priority Preferential Limited Case-by-case Case-by-case Case-by-case Access to Members' Area ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Free attendance at monthly webinars ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ISEA monthly newsletter ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Access to ISEA reports & industry updates ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Access to ISEA correspondence ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Access to ISEA policy and regulatory submissions ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Set up Forums in Members' Area ✓ ✓ X X X X Participate in Forums in Members' Area ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Logins for Members' Area Unlimited 5 3 1 1 1 Connect with others in Members' Area ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X Discount on ISEA conferences ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Discount on exhibition stands ✓ ✓ X X X X Preferential choice of exhibition stands ✓ ✓ X X X X First refusal on sponsorship opps. ✓ X X X X X Meeting room use at Solar Ireland ✓ ✓ X X X X Preferential access to present monthly webinars ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Nominate speakers at ISEA events ✓ X X X X X Access to conference attendee list ✓ ✓ X X X X Preferential access to speaking slots at Solar Ireland ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Guaranteed offer speaking position at Solar Ireland ✓ X X X X X Use of ISEA logo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X Listed on website Members' page ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X Logo on website Members' page ✓ ✓ ✓ X X X Advertise vacancies on ISEA website Unlimited 5 3 1 X X Prominent display of logo on website ✓ X X X X X Service offerings on website ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X Benefit Area Benefit Elite Premium Corporate Supporter Community Individual Fees €17,500 €6,250 €3,125 €1,000 €275 €125 GOVERNANCE INFORMATION EVENTS PROFILE For companies For companies For companies For companies For academic institutions and NGOs For private individuals

Upcoming Events Thu, 25 Apr Philip Lee Connecting Women in Solar 25 Apr 2024, 17:30 – 20:30 Philip Lee, Connaught House, One Burlington Rd, Dublin 4, D04 C5Y6, Ireland 🌞 Calling all Women in Solar Energy Ireland! 🌞 🎉 Join us for our first-ever event! 📅 Thursday, 25th April 📍 Philip Lee - Connaught House, One Burlington Rd, Dublin 4, D04 C5Y6 Share Buy Tickets Past Events Tue, 23 Apr Webinar ISEA CEO Townhall - Looking back at 2023 and forward to 2024 23 Apr 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 Webinar In this webinar exclusively for members of the Irish Solar Energy Association, Conall Bolger (CEO, ISEA) will discuss the progress ISEA made throughout 2023, as well as the ISEA's plan for 2024. Interactive Q&A moderated by Declan Cullinane will follow the presentation. Share DETAILS Thu, 28 Mar Webinar The benefits of achieving 2030 targets 28 Mar 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 Webinar This webinar will present the results of AFRY's study on the benefits of achieving the 2030 solar target of 8GW and considers how societal benefits might differ depending on the uptake of solar in the upcoming RESS 4 auction. Share DETAILS Tue, 27 Feb Webinar Evolving Connection Policy: What it means for your solar business 27 Feb 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 GMT Webinar This webinar will cover what's new in connection policy, highlighting the points that solar developers need to know and how the next iteration of ECP fits into the broader regulatory framework. Share DETAILS Tue, 30 Jan Webinar Solar in the Climate Action Plan 2024 30 Jan 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 GMT Webinar This webinar will cover the Climate Action Plan 2024 and the policy's effects for the solar energy industry. Share DETAILS Fri, 15 Dec Webinar The Planning and Development Bill: Review of new details 15 Dec 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 Webinar This webinar will provide an overview of new details that are key to the planning process for solar developments, such as approval timelines. Share DETAILS Wed, 22 Nov Clayton Hotel Silver Springs Solar Ireland 2023 22 Nov 2023, 09:00 Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Silver Springs, Tivoli, Cork, T23 E244, Ireland The Irish Solar Energy Association is delighted to celebrate its tenth anniversary at a time when the solar industry is scaling up substantially. ISEA's annual conference Solar Ireland 2023 will focus on how we can grasp key opportunities, collaborate for success and move past barriers and inertia. Share DETAILS Tue, 24 Oct Webinar RESS-3 auction results: Analysis and market reaction 24 Oct 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 Webinar This webinar will provided an analysis of the results of the third Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-3) auction. It will also cover how solar projects fared in the auction and the ensuing market reaction. Share DETAILS Thu, 28 Sept Webinar Risk management in solar project development 28 Sept 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 IST Webinar This webinar will provide an overview of the insurance market in relation to solar project development, featuring insights into the recommended insurance models during the construction and operational periods of development, and outlining the challenges developers can expect to face. Share DETAILS Tue, 29 Aug Webinar Centralised or Decentralised? Large-scale PV plant architecture 29 Aug 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 IST Webinar Centralised or decentralised - which is the best layout for a large-scale PV power plant? This webinar will cover the different factors influencing the types of architecture, as well as the opportunities and challenges of the two architecture types. Share DETAILS Tue, 25 Jul Webinar The Planning and Development Bill 2022 25 Jul 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 Webinar This webinar will cover the key changes proposed in the Planning and Development Bill 2022 and discuss whether it will achieve its objectives, as well as recent developments that aim to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy. Share DETAILS Tue, 20 Jun Webinar Bidding in RESS-3: Structure, T&Cs, and model assumptions 20 Jun 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 IST Webinar This webinar will cover key dates for RESS-3, the recently released RESS-3 terms and conditions, and key model assumptions for bid valuation. Share DETAILS Tue, 30 May Webinar The future of the Irish solar market 30 May 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 IST Webinar This webinar will cover the future of the Irish solar market in discussing the market's growth, as well as the challenges currently facing the solar industry. Share DETAILS Thu, 20 Apr Webinar Commercial rooftop PV in Ireland 20 Apr 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 IST Webinar This webinar will provide an overview of the commercial rooftop PV market in Ireland, covering the current status of the sector, as well as the opportunities that commercial rooftop PV presents for the future. Share DETAILS Thu, 23 Mar Webinar Annual CEO Townhall 23 Mar 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 GMT Webinar In this webinar exclusively for members of the Irish Solar Energy Association, Conall Bolger (CEO, ISEA) will deliver a presentation on the progress ISEA made throughout 2022, as well as the Association's plan for 2023. Share DETAILS Tue, 21 Mar Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal Large Scale Solar Europe 21 Mar 2023, 09:00 – 22 Mar 2023, 17:00 Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal, R. Castilho 11, 1269-072 Lisboa, Portugal Large Scale Solar Europe will return for its 11th year in Lisbon. Packed with the industry’s leading IPPs and developers, this conference is always the meeting place for leading decision makers in the European solar industry. Use code ISEA20 for 20% off! Share DETAILS Tue, 21 Feb Webinar Capital Acquisitions Tax: Implications for solar farm leases 21 Feb 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 GMT Webinar This webinar will cover the importance of Capital Acquisitions Tax in negotiating solar farm leases, how the law has changed over the past number of years and what changes industry participants are currently lobbying for. Share DETAILS Wed, 01 Feb Leonardo Royal Hotel Tower Bridge Solar Finance & Investment Europe Summit 01 Feb 2023, 09:00 – 02 Feb 2023, 17:00 Leonardo Royal Hotel Tower Bridge, 45 Prescot St, London E1 8GP, UK Solar Finance & Investment Europe is the meeting place for solar developers, asset managers, investors & financiers to learn the latest business models for project finance, re-financing, power purchase agreements, and secondary markets for PV assets. Click on the event title above for more details. Share DETAILS Tue, 17 Jan Webinar PV technology roadmap and sustainable manufacturing 17 Jan 2023, 11:00 – 12:00 GMT Webinar LONGi will be presenting an update on the latest solar PV technology and industry trends, with a focus on how to achieve sustainable manufacturing solutions and selecting truly reliable products that are fit for a myriad of applications. Share DETAILS Load More

Page not found ERROR 404 Homepage

About Us Our Story Founded in 2013, ISEA was established to advance a policy and regulatory landscape promoting solar as a leading renewable energy technology that will push the energy transition forward, and contribute to a successful and strong clean economy. ​ Today, our vision remains to fully decarbonise Ireland's electricity system. Our Mission ISEA is committed to working with industry, Government, regulators, and system operators to ensure that solar meets the 8GW target set by Government for 2030. Through engagement, education, and encouraging best practice, we will represent the solar industry to maximise the volumes of Irish solar generation.

< Back Solar grants for businesses welcomed by industry Photo credit: Activ8 Solar Energies Irish Solar Energy Association 4 Jul 2023 ​ The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has welcomed the announcement today of a new grant scheme to support businesses to install Solar PV panels. According to ISEA, the new scheme will help businesses cope with high energy costs while also enhancing Ireland’s overall solar capacity. Speaking following the announcement, ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said, “Meeting Ireland’s national target of 8GW of solar by the end of the decade requires solar panels installed on rooftops of every size across the country. Homes across Ireland have increasingly embraced the benefits of rooftop solar panels, however businesses have lacked a comparable level of support. “These new grants will incentivise more businesses to join the solar revolution . This will reduce their own costs while dramatically increasing the capacity of rooftop solar to help Ireland decarbonise .” Explaining how businesses installing solar will aid Ireland’s climate goals, Bolger said, “Businesses typically operate in larger premises, quite simply they have larger roofs and therefore can generate more power. The potential is substantial. Unleashing the commercial rooftop sector could make an impact on our renewable electricity targets.” Concluding, Bolger said, “A new EU directive will introduce requirements for large buildings to install solar in the years ahead. We welcome that Government is showing leadership by offering incentives before this is a requirement.” Previous Next

< Back ISEA respond to EirGrid strategy ​ Irish Solar Energy Association 4 Jul 2023 Action required to deliver on renewed blueprint The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has welcomed the publication of EirGrid’s new strategy Shaping our Electricity Future v1.1 . ISEA say this outlines a number of actions that will be required for Ireland to meet its solar and broader renewable targets and is urging prompt action from all stakeholders. Responding to the publication of the strategy, ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said “EirGrid have provided a blueprint which details one pathway to reaching Ireland’s solar targets. These targets include delivering 5GW of solar of 2025 and 8GW by 2030. “It is clear that urgent action and investment at scale is required. We need to invest in our electricity network so that it is fit for a 21st century purpose and ready to cater for the anticipated influx of renewable electricity supply. Society and the political system should support this investment so that we can decarbonise.” Bolger said key decisions must now be taken by stakeholders, including the CRU and DECC, to ensure Ireland maximises its renewable potential. “There are a series of vital policy decisions that have been inexplicably put on the long finger. The renewable industry has been calling out for new policies on private wires and hybrid connections for several years. We cannot afford to delay further.” Bolger concluded by saying that the time for planning must give way to implementation. “We have passed the halfway point of the first carbon budget. The first Climate Action Plan is now four years old. There are many known actions that would facilitate renewables decarbonising faster. We simply need all stakeholders to pull together and deliver these.” Previous Next

IRISH SOLAR ENERGY ASSOCIATION Building a brighter future Credit: Neoen Welcome ISEA is the leading voice for the Irish solar industry. We champion the fight against climate change and work hard to deliver a brighter future for Ireland. Learn More Our members are the core of ISEA. We represent their interests as we work with policymakers, network companies, and other key stakeholders in the solar space. Our Elite Members Learn more about membership here . What's New in Solar? Resources Explore News Explore Events Explore

Frequently Asked Questions Does solar energy work in Ireland? Yes, solar energy works in Ireland! Solar generates electricity even on overcast days, although most solar energy is generated during the summer months. Example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text. Check out our Resources to find out more. How do solar panels generate electricity? Example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text. Example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text. How do I install solar panels on my rooftop? Installing rooftop solar is becoming increasingly accessible in Ireland. Example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text. Example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example textt example text example textt example text example textt example text example textt example text example text. Check out our page on Solar Facts to find out more, use the Solar Calculator to get an estimate on what kind of solar PV system you need, and visit our Services Directory to see which of our members can install your panels. How do solar farms work? Example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text. Example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text example text.

< Back ISEA welcomes commitments laid out in 2023 Climate Action Plan ​ Irish Solar Energy Association 21 Dec 2022 Ireland embraces solar on shortest day of the year The Climate Action Plan describes a pathway to capitalise on Ireland’s solar potential and build the zero-carbon power system of the future, the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has said. Welcoming the additional climate and renewable energy ambitions laid out of the Climate Action Plan 2023, ISEA has said that their rapid delivery over the coming months and years is more critical than ever. 2022 was a breakthrough year for Irish solar, according to ISEA CEO Conall Bolger. "After many years of talking about Ireland's solar potential, it has now materialised. “We have seen the first solar farms connecting to the national grid, with 640MW of utility scale solar energising or under construction, another 1,534MW contracted to deliver by 2025, and a further 5,000MW of projects holding planning permission. “Other milestones have included the introduction of payments to householders for solar they send back to the grid and removing many arduous planning rules. Homeowners have responded to these incentives, and the failings of fossil markets, by rapidly increasing their installations. “In the first eleven months of this year, Irish homeowners had nearly 17,000 residential rooftop systems installed on their rooftops. This is more than twice what was installed last year and represents 36% of all registered systems. This sector is on an upward trend.” Included in the plan, ISEA welcomes the announcement made by Government to increase the target for Solar PV capacity by 2030 to 8GW, up from the previous goal of 5.5GW, with an accelerated target of 5GW by 2025. Speaking about this increase, Bolger said, “In the latest update to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, Minister Ryan has confirmed an accelerated target for solar energy and this is a challenge we are happy to accept. “This new target reinforces just how important the generation of solar PV energy is going to be in helping us decarbonise our electricity supply. “It recognises that solar at scale, working in tandem with wind and storage, will be critical in moving Ireland towards its zero-carbon future.” ISEA also welcomes the recognition of the value of private wire arrangements and hybrid sites to maximising renewable generation. Private wires are private localised electricity grids, and they enable energy users to connect directly to the source of electricity generation by bypassing the national grid. This approach is in widespread use in Northern Ireland, Britain and many EU countries, but the current legislation in Ireland is very restrictive, making private wires impractical in the majority of cases. “Adopting a more progressive approach to private wires would allow those large energy users, including data centres and manufacturers, to connect directly to their own renewable energy sources.” Bolger says there are multiple benefits in allowing this, “it would be far faster for the energy users in question: enabling them to satisfy more of their own demand without drawing on the wider network so helping with our current security of supply challenges; and facilitating faster deployment of renewable capacity into the system. “As many solar projects tend to be close to potential demand, there is a substantial opportunity for scaling up what we are connecting. A consultation on this policy change has been long promised, we urgently need to progress towards its implementation.” Hybrid sites involve more than one technology sharing a single connection point to the national grid, for example a solar farm and a battery, or a solar farm and a wind farm. Bolger noted there are a high number of hybrid sites already under development and awaiting the policy and regulatory push to implement them. “There are over 450MW of solar and battery projects working through the process to connect, with more progressing through the planning process. “While further network investment is crucial for our transition to renewables, making more efficient use of the network we have is also essential. The regulatory barriers to hybrid sites need to be removed to deliver on the Minister’s vision. We welcome the references in the Climate Action Plan to making progress on this particular front.” One area of concern was the absence of detailed policy to help the non-residential sector in making the solar transition. Bolger said: “delivery of the policies to support non-residential users, while not a perfect instrument, would fill in a missing piece of the policy puzzle for non-residential rooftop users and communities. “In the current high energy price world, businesses large and small are seeing payback periods of two years from solar systems. That said, policy can be a powerful prompt. We understand that a regulatory review needs to be concluded, and we would urge that it be expedited.” Reinforcing that urgency of delivery was required, Bolger said: “The key part of the policy’s title is “Action”. Delivery of a solar revolution in line with the pathway in the plan is essential. The industry is primed. We have the projects and customer interest. Now, it’s about removing those remaining barriers and unleashing the potential of a brighter future.” Previous Next

< Back Solar Industry responds to Windfall Tax proposal ​ Irish Solar Energy Association 22 Nov 2022 Government must take a 360 approach to address consumer prices The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has welcomed the ambition of supporting electricity consumers, that it says is at the heart of the Government’s newly proposed revenue cap on electricity companies. However, ISEA has warned that many of the reasons for high electricity costs remain within the State’s control and continue to be ignored. Cabinet has today signed off on a plan to cap the potential earnings of electricity companies that do not use gas. This measure however is not expected to impact any solar electricity generator in Ireland under a RESS contract as these providers will have agreed guaranteed prices for energy produced; if the wholesale market rate exceeds their stated price the provider must repay the difference into the PSO levy. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) forecast that over the next year a total of €313m will be repaid by renewable energy providers. Commenting on today’s announcement ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said “Electricity prices are presenting a very real challenge for people across the country. Implementing this EU policy will be another step towards addressing these costs and that will be welcomed by consumers. “However, there is more than one factor that creates the prices consumers pay. Every one of these should be targeted. The optimal route to lower electricity prices and greater energy security involves ramping up the renewables connected to our network as quickly as possible. “Government should conduct a 360° review of what is influencing the cost of renewables and electricity prices. State controlled costs, including network fees and local rates, continue to be significant drivers of electricity prices and the measures announced today will do nothing to address this. “Ireland remains significantly out of line with EU averages for these state-controlled costs. If addressing the prices consumers are facing for electricity is truly a priority, the state agencies should be compelled to address these costs in parallel with the price cap announced today. Conall Bolger concluded by urging Minister Eamon Ryan to commit to addressing the costs charged by the state to electricity companies. “Energy providers are now due to face caps on their potential revenues but it is an unfortunate irony those same companies are facing unjustifiable costs from state agencies.” Previous Next