Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party)
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98. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the fact that solar panels being installed on domestic roofs must be installed 500mm from the edge, whereas in the UK and other European countries they can be installed up to 200mm from the edge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23564/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Setback distances for solar panels are specified under planning regulations. S.I No 493 of 2022, Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No.3) Regulations 2022: notes that “solar photo-voltaic or thermal collector panels shall be a minimum of 50cm from the edge of a roof on which it is mounted”

These setback distances exist for several reasons including wind loading and structural integrity, separation for adjoining properties, as well as to ensure safe access to the roof and gutters of a property for ongoing and safe maintenance.

There are now over 90,200 registered microgenerators across Ireland with domestic solar pv grants provided through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), supporting over 32,000 of these installations during 2022 and 2023 alone. An additional 30,000 households are also expected to receive supports in 2024. Grants are provided based on the installation works being carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice for Installers, which also specifies a minimum 50cm setback distance. The Code of Practice ensures that systems must be designed, installed, tested and commissioned in accordance with the highest standards, including any other relevant codes, standards and building regulations.

It is clear that homes and businesses across the country are recognising the enormous benefits of Solar PV solutions, which can not only reduce energy bills but also contribute towards renewable energy targets, as well as supporting the local electricity grid. It is crucial to ensure that as Ireland’s Solar Rooftop revolution continues at pace, that our technical standards and codes of practice for the installation and maintenance of such systems, are fully aligned with best practice and never compromised for perceived short-term gains.