New National Standard Recommendation for the design and installation of solar PV micro-generators in homes; S.R. 55
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), with the support of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), has developed and published a new National Standard Recommendation for the design and installation of solar PV micro-generators in homes; S.R. 55 Solar photovoltaic micro-generators for dwellings.
This new Standard Recommendation has been developed in direct response to action 138 as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021, which will help us achieve our ambitious decarbonisation targets.
The Standard Recommendation provides guidelines for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of single-phase solar PV systems which are classed as ‘micro-generators’ by ESB Networks (inverter with export rating up to 6kVA).
Solar PV systems are becoming increasingly popular in Ireland due to factors such as the recently established Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) which allows home-owners to continue to apply for potential grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and also be eligible to receive a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff from their electricity supplier. This tariff means any excess electricity can be exported to the grid at a competitive market rate. A solar PV system can also help increase the BER rating of a property which is an important consideration as there are set BER targets that must be met for new domestic buildings and major renovations to existing properties.
Climate change is a significant issue facing Ireland today. This standard recommendation will support the development of industry and the deployment of renewable solar energy in Irish homes and provide a clear understanding to industry for the installation of these systems.
