Practical first steps for SRESS Phase One renewable self-consumers projects between 50 kW and 1 MW

Renewables self-consumers are electricity customers producing renewable electricity for their own use. Any surplus electricity produced may be stored or sold back to the grid. If you are considering applying for a grant through the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) as a renewable self-consumer, we recommend following these initial steps:

Start by broadly assessing your site or premises to determine its suitability for a renewable energy project. Information about the amount of roof space or land required is available on the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment's website. Farmers, if considering a roof-mounted array, may need to consider the structural integrity of farm building roofs, given that each solar panel can weigh 18-25 kilograms.

Consider how close your land or premises is to grid connections at ESB substations. Generally, being located closer to a substation brings down the cost of your connection.

ESB Networks have developed an interactive available capacity heatmap which gives an indication of the spare transformer capacity available at substations at each voltage level. You can visit the map on their website to find out about grid capacity in your area.

If your renewable self-consumer generation capacity is less than 200 kW, (around 445 solar panels requiring 750-800 square metres of roof space, or 0.3 acres of land), then you will need to apply to ESB Networks as a small-scale generator on the ESB Networks website. The installed capacity of the generation (that is, the maximum amount of electricity that you might potentially be exporting back to the grid) must be less than or equal to the maximum electricity import capacity of your site.

For generators than are greater than 200kW, you must apply for a grid connection to ESB Networks through the Enduring Connection Policy (ECP) process.

Further information on grid connection can be found on the ESB Networks website. If you have queries on projects under 200kW, you can email dsosmallscalegeneration@esb.ie. For projects greater than 200kW, you can email dsogenerators@esb.ie.

It's also essential to investigate any planning permissions required, and begin this process early to avoid potential delays.

If you are considering a rooftop solar installation, planning permission may not be required. Revised regulations, introduced in October 2022, expanded the eligibility of properties for exemptions to the rooftops of certain premises, including industrial buildings, business premises, community and educational buildings, places of worship, health buildings, libraries, certain public utility sites and farms.

There are also certain exemptions for small free-standing solar PV arrays, provided the area is less than 75 square metres and the height of the panels less than 2.5 metres. You can fit approximately 40 panels in an area that size, which could give a total capacity of around 15-19kW.

These exemptions are subject to certain conditions and limitations. Your local planning authority will be able to confirm if your own premises is eligible. Further information and details on the solar planning exemptions are available on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's website.

Further information on the grants and process can be found on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website.