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Medically Vulnerable Council Tenants In Kildare Can Now Access Solar Scheme Amid Wider Expansion

Council officials say the Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers, first launched as a pilot in 2022, has since been expanded to include all households registered under the life-support category of the Priority Services Register.

Kildare County Council has confirmed that medically vulnerable tenants in council-owned homes can benefit from a national solar panel scheme - provided their property is suitable.

The update came in response to a motion from Councillor Pat Balfe, who asked the local authority to clarify its position and engage with national agencies to ensure eligible tenants could access supports on an equitable basis.

Council officials say the Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers, first launched as a pilot in 2022, has since been expanded to include all households registered under the life-support category of the Priority Services Register.

The scheme is fully administered by energy suppliers - Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, Electric Ireland and Flogas - which together cover about 89 per cent of registered households.

There is no direct application process. 

Instead, eligible customers are contacted by their electricity supplier and, if they opt in, a solar company carries out a survey.

The package includes:

  • A site survey
  • Installation of a 2kWp solar PV system
  • Post-works BER assessment
  • NC6 grid submission

Kildare County Council’s Housing Maintenance Section says it will approve tenant-initiated installations under the scheme where the dwelling is deemed suitable.

However, officials cautioned that not all council homes will qualify, with rooftop factors such as orientation, pitch, shading and obstructions assessed at survey stage.

The council says it has already received a number of approaches from solar companies acting on behalf of energy suppliers.

Tenants are being reminded that prior approval from the Housing Maintenance Section is required before any solar PV installation proceeds.

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