Limerick IFA chair shines a light on solar panels on farm buildings
‘IFA lobbied the Government hard for a better grant, and the increase to 45% is a real step forward’
IFA and Bord Gáis Energy have launched an online calculator that lets farmers estimate how much they could save by installing solar on their farm buildings.
The calculator comes as SEAI has increased its Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant for solar PV from about 23% to 45% of eligible costs, for nine months from October 6.
Limerick IFA Chair, Louise Crowley said, "Farmers want to generate their own power, but the cost has been a barrier since ranking and selection was introduced in TAMS. IFA lobbied the Government hard for a better grant, and the increase to 45% is a real step forward.
"I encourage every farmer who is thinking about solar to use the calculator, get a survey and quote, and price their project now while the higher rate is available".
The SEAI grant is a direct application, with no ranking or tranche wait. Farmers should also check with their accountant how Accelerated Capital Allowances may apply to their investment.
The 45% SEAI rate remains below the 60% available under the TAMS Solar Capital Investment Scheme, but only one in ten TAMS solar applications are currently being approved.
James Kelly, IFA Director of Organisation said, “IFA and Bord Gáis Energy have a tailored solar offering for farmers. To date we have successfully installed hundreds of systems on farm rooftops around Ireland.”
For more information contact 0818 989 498 or visit www.ifa.ie/solar