Free Solar Panels Extended to More Medically Vulnerable Households Across Ireland
Energy suppliers will contact eligible customers directly.
Homeowners dependent on life-protecting medical equipment can now qualify for free solar panel installations under an expanded government scheme announced today by Minister Darragh O'Brien.
The Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers has been extended to include all homeowners registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register with any energy supplier, significantly widening access beyond the initial pilot programme.
The scheme provides free solar photovoltaic panel systems to households where residents depend on electrically-powered medical equipment such as dialysis machines, respirators, ventilators and other life-protecting devices.
Originally launched in 2022 as a response to energy challenges arising from the war in Ukraine, the scheme initially covered only households registered with ESB Networks. Some 470 homes have benefitted to date, with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment expecting that figure to grow significantly following the extension.
Minister Darragh O'Brien:
"Delivering resilience in our energy systems is a top priority for me, and for the Government. First and foremost we have to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected. I am pleased to announce that, due to the strong uptake and the positive impact already observed in over 470 homes, eligibility for the Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers is now being extended to include all homeowners who are registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register, with whichever energy supplier they are using."
Energy suppliers will contact eligible customers directly in the coming weeks and months. No application is necessary for those already registered under the life support category.
To qualify, homes must have been built and occupied on or before 31 December 2020. Once contacted by their energy provider, homeowners will be assigned a Solar PV company to assess their property's suitability. If suitable, an installation date will be arranged at no cost to the homeowner.
Anyone using life support equipment who is not yet registered should contact their electricity supplier immediately to ensure they are listed under the life support category of the Priority Services Register.
The scheme represents a targeted approach to supporting Ireland's most vulnerable households whilst building energy resilience across the country.
