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For Written Answer on : 07/03/2024
Question Number(s): 305 Question Reference(s): 11468/24
Department: Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine to outline the number of TAMS 2 solar PV installations that were processed by his Department on forms that were not his Department’s official S198 forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The safety of Solar PV systems, both at installation phase and for subsequent use by applicants to the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is of paramount importance. My Department has introduced Specification 198 which outlines the minimum specification for the Installation of Solar PV Systems. All relevant electrical and structural standards are prescribed in this specification.
The technical forms required to be completed are essentially the same as the form produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), except for references to TAMS instead of SEAI. I understand some of the Solar PV applications have included the SEAI form. However, it would require an examination of each individual application to provide the exact number.
I would like to reiterate that both forms contain the same detail to allow my Department to make an informed decision on the application. Furthermore, the specific form must be signed by a Safe Electric Ireland registered electrician.