Ireland Sustainable Energy Act S.I. 148: Solar Installer Certification Guide

Key Takeaways

• S.I. No. 148 of 2011, titled "Sustainable Energy Act 2002 (Section 8(2)) (Conferral of Additional Functions - Renewable Energy) Order 2011," confers additional renewable energy functions on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
• The order mandates that by 31 December 2012, certification or qualification schemes for installers of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems become available.
• SEAI is responsible for maintaining "the list of installers who are qualified or certified" under these provisions.
• SEAI must provide public guidance to planners and architects on integrating renewable energy in building projects.

The Statutory Basis for Solar Installer Certification in Ireland

S.I. No. 148 of 2011, formally known as the "Sustainable Energy Act 2002 (Section 8(2)) (Conferral of Additional Functions - Renewable Energy) Order 2011," establishes the legal framework for renewable energy functions in Ireland. This Statutory Instrument confers additional responsibilities on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). These responsibilities are pursuant to Directive 2009/28/EC.

Mandatory Certification for Solar Installers

The order mandates the establishment of certification schemes for solar installers. It requires SEAI "to liaise with relevant persons to ensure in so far as is reasonable that by 31 December 2012 certification schemes or equivalent qualification schemes for installers of small-scale biomass boilers or stoves, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, shallow geothermal systems and heat pumps become or are made available." This provision ensures that solar PV and solar thermal installers meet defined standards.

Public Register of Certified Installers

A key function conferred upon SEAI is the maintenance of a public register. The order specifies SEAI's duty to make available "the list of installers who are qualified or certified in accordance with the provisions." This list provides transparency and allows the public to verify installer credentials. We have not verified the specific criteria for inclusion on this list, such as electrical competence or Safe Pass accreditation, so we do not publish them.

Guidance for Planners and Architects

S.I. No. 148 of 2011 also requires SEAI "to make guidance publicly available to all relevant persons, in particular planners and architects, in relation to the optimal combination of energy from renewable sources, of high-efficiency technologies and of district heating and cooling in the planning, designing, building and renovating of industrial or residential areas." This ensures that renewable energy integration is considered at early stages of development.

Promotion of Certified European Standard Equipment

The order promotes the use of high-quality, certified equipment. It specifically mentions "certified equipment and systems based on European standards where these exist, including eco-labels, energy labels and other technical reference systems established by the European standardisation bodies, for solar thermal energy." This encourages the adoption of reliable and efficient solar technologies.

Broader Functions of SEAI under S.I. No. 148 of 2011

Beyond installer certification, S.I. No. 148 of 2011 outlines several other functions for SEAI. These include supporting government measures for renewable energy, providing transparency on "the net benefits, cost and energy efficiency of equipment and systems for the use of heating, cooling and electricity from renewable sources," and encouraging local bodies to integrate renewable heating and cooling into urban planning. SEAI also develops public awareness and training programs to inform the public about renewable energy benefits. The order states that "SEAI shall perform the additional functions conferred on it by this Order in accordance with the Directive."

We have not verified the specific impact of S.I. No. 148 of 2011 on commercial and domestic grant eligibility, such as SEAI Solar PV grants or TAMS 3 schemes, so we do not publish details on these.
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