Farming: Calls for greater support for solar panels in Budget 2027

Farmers across Waterford could be encouraged to generate more of their own electricity through rooftop solar if greater financial support is provided in the upcoming budget. 

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has called on the Government to increase support for farmers who want to install solar panels on agricultural buildings, arguing that demand is there but existing grant arrangements are preventing many from investing. 

The call comes ahead of Budget 2027, with IFA President Francie Gorman saying the Government now has an opportunity to help farmers play a greater role in Ireland's transition towards renewable energy.

Solar panels installed on the roofs of farm buildings can allow farmers to generate electricity on-site, offering an alternative source of energy for agricultural businesses.

However, the IFA claims that 90% of rooftop solar grant applications made through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) are now being rejected.

Mr Gorman said this was acting as a barrier for farmers who were ready to invest in renewable energy.

“The Tánaiste heard it himself at the IFA stand at the Ploughing: farmers are ready to put more solar panels on their farm buildings,” he said.

“What’s stopping them is that the Government is now rejecting 90% of rooftop solar grant applications under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).” 

The organisation believes the Government has effectively reduced access to what had been a successful rooftop solar support scheme at a time when reducing dependence on fossil fuels remains a major Government priority.

The IFA's intervention followed comments from Tánaiste Simon Harris, who addressed the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) earlier this month.

During his speech, he said the Government needed to do more to make it easier for citizens, farmers and businesses to make changes associated with the energy transition.

Mr Harris also referred to conversations at the National Ploughing Championships, where he said he had heard that thousands of farmers were interested in installing solar panels on their farm buildings.

The IFA says some farmers are now turning to grants provided through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as an alternative way of supporting investment in rooftop solar.

However, Mr Gorman said the value of the available support needs to be substantially increased if the Government wants to encourage more farmers to make the move.

He said any improved scheme should also provide support for battery storage alongside solar panels.

Battery storage would enable electricity produced by rooftop panels to be stored on the farm rather than having to be used at the time it is generated.

The IFA believes providing support for both solar panels and battery storage would allow farmers to make greater use of the renewable electricity they generate.

For farm businesses in Waterford and elsewhere, the organisation argues that increased Government support could make investment in renewable energy more accessible.

The issue is particularly relevant as farmers consider ways of managing the energy requirements of their businesses while also being encouraged to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The IFA says farmers are willing to play their part in the energy transition, but maintains that Government policy must make investing in renewable technology financially achievable.

Mr Gorman said comments from the Tánaiste about accelerating the country's energy transition should now be followed by practical measures in Budget 2027.

“I think the Government has effectively pulled the plug on a very successful rooftop solar scheme at a time when reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is a key Government priority,” he said.

The IFA president said the upcoming Budget offered an opportunity to address the situation and provide farmers with greater support to invest.

“Some farmers are now availing of the SEAI grant for rooftop solar, but the grant level needs to be significantly improved, and it needs to include battery storage,” Mr Gorman said.

The IFA is now calling on the Government to use Budget 2027 to provide the financial backing it believes is necessary to increase the uptake of rooftop solar across Irish farms.