Practical first steps for SRESS export tariff projects

If you are considering applying for a tariff under the Small-Scale Renewable Support Scheme (SRESS) as a project exporting all electricity that you generate to the grid, we recommend following these initial steps:

First, look at your site or building to see if it could work for a renewable energy project. Information about the amount of roof space or land required is available here.

Applications are welcome from any person or organisation that is planning an export project up to 1MW. For export projects over 1MW and up to 6 MW, applications are only open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), farmers or Renewable Energy Communities (RECs).

Next, think about how your site connects to the national electricity grid. Generally, being located closer to an ESB substation brings down the cost of your connection.

ESB Networks has 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.

The ESB Networks Generation Minimum Calculator provides a rough idea of the minimum costs associated with connecting to the network. Please note that this will not necessarily be the final cost and a detailed study by ESB Networks will always be required to identify any other potential costs, which may be added to the cost of the proposal. This study takes place after ESB Networks receive an application.

Different rules apply depending on your project size.

If your project’s generation capacity is less than 200 kW, (around 445 solar panels requiring 750-800 square metres of roof space, or 0.2 acres or 0.75-0.8 hectares of land), then you will need to apply to ESB Networks as a small-scale generator on the ESB Networks website. Your maximum export capacity must not be higher than the maximum electricity import capacity of your site in this case.

For generators that are greater than 200kW, you must apply for a grid connection to ESB Networks through the Enduring Connection Policy (ECP) process. In most cases, your export capacity will typically be larger than your import capacity.

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. If you have queries on projects greater than 200kW, you can email dsogenerators@esb.ie.

A renewable energy consultant or renewables installer can help with calculating the finances involved, risk assessment, and negotiating agreements. They can also calculate the expected revenue of the project based on the tariff rate and projected energy generation, taking into account variables such as seasonal change and any potential downtime.

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. 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.

While 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.

For ground-mounted installations greater than 75 square metres, SMEs and farmers are required to have full planning permission in place before applying to SRESS; RECs are given 9 months following receipt of an SRESS Letter of Offer to obtain planning permission.

Finally, it is a good idea to reach out to electricity suppliers early. If you are accepted into SRESS, the supplier will be the one paying you for your exported electricity. Identify potential suppliers with a strong track record in renewable energy and request proposals tailored to your project's specifics. Your consultant may be able to help with this engagement, but you can make preliminary contacts yourself.