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Barriers to the use of plug-in solar panels in Ireland should be removed urgently to help households lower electricity bills, a Fine Gael TD has argued.
Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, said creating legislation for small solar units that plug directly into a standard wall socket must now be a priority.
Deputy Ó Muirí said: "Families are continuing to feel the pressure of high energy costs and we should be looking at every practical measure that can help reduce household bills.
"That is why I invited industry representatives, as well as officials from the Department of Climate and the ESB, to appear before the Climate Committee today to discuss how we can make plug-in solar part of Ireland’s energy system.
"Plug-in solar is already in widespread use across Europe. It allows people to generate some of their own electricity through a simple, low-cost installation, reducing both bills and emissions.
"For many households, particularly those who cannot afford a full rooftop solar system, plug-in solar has the potential to provide a more accessible route into renewable energy.
"We must ensure Ireland has the right framework in place so we can introduce these systems safely. Currently, Irish microgeneration rules are built around solar systems being installed by a registered electrical contractor. Regulators have not yet fully adapted them to permit widespread “plug-it-into-a-socket” solar with a simple approval process.
"Germany has been a leader in this technology, with over a million plug-in solar panels installed with systems capped at 800 W, and we must learn from their rollout.
"Ireland should not be left behind while other countries embrace technologies that help people save money and reduce their reliance on imported energy.
"I understand that the Minister has prioritised the development of standards that will allow the use of plug-in solar panels. However, this work must now move forward as quickly as possible so that households can begin to benefit."
