Zero VAT for solar panels confirmed

The o% vat rate will support people to go solar

I’m delighted to confirm the news from Cabinet this morning that a zero rate of VAT for the supply and installation of solar panels for private dwellings will be in place from the 1st of May.

This is yet another measure that will support Ireland’s journey to cleaner, cheaper, renewable energy and is a direct result of the Greens in Government.

We have removed planning permission requirements to install solar panels on residential homes. We have introduced the Micro-generation Support Scheme which has seen thousands of householders sign up to sell their excess renewable electricity back to the grid. And now today, we have given another opportunity for citizens to be part of the transition to Green energy.

My Green Party Colleagues and I supported the Solar Panel Bill which removed planning restrictions around installing solar panels in Ireland.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has estimated that a zero rate of VAT would reduce the average cost of the supply and installation solar panels for consumers from €9000 to €8000 and would thus help support households reducing their electricity bills. At €0.32c per KWh, this will reduce the payback period for installation from 7 to 6.2 years.

I look forward to the solar revolution continuing in the Midlands and right across Ireland