Microgeneration is the generation of electricity from renewable technologies by domestic or small business properties.
Microgeneration
What is Microgeneration ?
Microgeneration can be defined as the generation of electricity from renewable technologies by domestic or small business properties. This may include solar photovoltaic (PV), micro-wind, micro-power and micro-renewable combined heat and power (CHP). The power generated from these sources can be exported to the national grid and a payment or Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) will be made available to the renewable generator.
Action 105 of the National Climate Action Plan 2021 commits the Government to delivering a Micro-generation policy framework. On the 21st of December 2021, the final design of the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) was approved.
Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS)
The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) will allow for domestic applicants to apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant that will go towards the installation of renewable energy technologies. In 2022, this grant will be the same level per kWh as the current solar PV grant scheme, which is set at a maximum €2400. The following are some of the scheme’s key features:
- Homes pre-built 2021 are eligible.
- For domestic applicants, buildings do not have to meet a minimum BER to be included in the scheme.
- Non-domestic applicants will be eligible to apply for grant installations up to 6.0KkWe.
- Non-domestic applicants will be able to apply for a Clean Export Premium tariff for installations between 6.1kWe and 50kWe. In 2022, the CEP tariff will be €0.135/kWh. The CEP will be offered at a fixed rate for 15 years, and eligible volumes will be capped at 80% of generation capacity to encourage self-consumption.
- Supports for MSS will reduce by 2024 to reflect projected reducing system costs.
How Do I apply?
You can apply for a solar PV grant via the SEAI here. It is expected that the grant will be extended to non-domestic applicants in summer 2022. The introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee will commence once a payment method has been agreed upon by the Commission for Regulation of utilities.
How am I connected to the national grid ?
Grid connection for 6-11kW projects is provided by the ESB. Customers can apply for connection by submitting the mini generation application form. This is currently in a pilot phase and will run for 6 months.
It will allow for up to 150 applications to be processed prior to the role out of the enduring process, which is expected to commence in mid-2022.
What is a Commercial Export Guarantee ?
An individual engaged in microgeneration for domestic use may generate surplus electricity. They may choose to export this excess electricity to the national electricity grid. In doing so, they are eligible to receive remuneration in the form of the Commercial Export Guarantee (CEG). Payment is determined on the number of kWh generated. The price paid will be a competitive market rate from the individual’s electrical supplier. The CEG will be available to new and existing micro-generators up to 400 kW. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will establish the eligibility criteria.
To avail of the CEG, you must firstly have a suitable grid connection. You can organize an export grid connection either through the ESB or the renewable energy operator you are dealing with.
For further information relating to ESB microgeneration, please see here.
