Funding has been announced to encourage businesses to go solar.
Midlands businesses switching to solar power can expect their new energy system to pay for itself in three years.
An expert has said this is two years ahead of government predictions.
Funding has been announced to encourage businesses to install solar photovoltaics (PV) panel systems.
Funds between €2,700 and €162,600 are available.
Planning permission for solar PV and planning is no longer required for rooftop systems, unless it is located in a Solar Safeguarding Zone (SSZ), which are areas located near airports, helipads and aerodromes.
ESB need to be notified of installation for safety purposes, and to allow you export to the grid if applicable.
Adrian Casey, the co-founder of Swyft Energy, one of Ireland’s leading solar PV firms, said some businesses could see payback in three years:
“On average, small-to-medium sized businesses are installing 30kWp Solar PV systems, equivalent to 64 panels, covering 128 square metres. This type of system generates roughly 26,000 units of electricity per year, and – depending on the business’s electricity consumption pattern – 70 to 80% of this power would be used on site, with the excess electricity sold back to the grid. Larger premises – such as warehouses consuming 200,000 units per year at a 23 cent electricity rate – could generate around 135,000 units with a 150kWp, 320-panel system. This type of system costs €145,000 and would reduce annual energy bills by around €25,00.Previously, businesses of this size could expect payback in six years. With the new announcement, a 150kWp system will receive a grant of €32,600, reducing the cost to €112,400 and the payback to four-and-a-half years. Solar PV is one of the only purchases that a company can claim 100% of the ACA in the year of purchase. Switching to solar power also helps businesses improve their carbon footprint and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profiles. A 30kWp system will reduce CO2 output by roughly 10 tonnes per year or 300 tonnes over the 30+ year lifespan of the system. That is equivalent to planting 2,800 trees.”
Firms with solar PV systems can also benefit from the Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) scheme, where the cost of the system can be offset against profits to reduce companies’ tax bills.
Breakdown of SEAI grants
Solar PV Systems Grant Value
Up to 6kWp Up to €2,400
€/kWp installed between 7kWp-20kWp €300 per kWp
€/kWp installed between 21kWp-200kWp €200 per kWp
€/kWp installed between 201kWp-1000kWp €150 per kWp
Example of grants for a 50kWp system
Range €/kWp No. of kWp Grant Amount
Up to 6kWp €2,400 6 €2,400
7 – 20 kWp €300 14 €4,200
21- 200 kWp €200 30 €6,000
201 -1,000 kWp €150 - -
Total Grant Amount 50 €12,600
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