Removing barriers to plug-in solar will help lower bills for families – Ó Muirí

Barriers preventing the use of plug-in solar panels in Ireland should be removed without delay to help households reduce their electricity bills, Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee Climate, Environment and Energy said introducing legislation for solar panels that can be plugged into a wall socket to generate electricity in the home must be a priority.

“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.

“Plug-in solar is a simple and practical way to give households greater control over their energy use while reducing bills and emissions. If we are serious about lowering energy costs and achieving our climate targets, removing unnecessary barriers to plug-in solar is an obvious step in the right direction,” concluded Deputy Ó Muirí.