Rebate Programme in Ireland:

The Republic of Ireland has a strong commitment to solar thermal technology. The rebate programme “Greener Homes Scheme” has pushed the market since March 2006. The installed solar thermal capacity in 2007 (10.5 MWth) tripled compared to 2006 (3.5 MWth), according to ESTIF statistics. The Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the programme’s administrative organisation, has recorded 9,500 approved applications since the beginning of the programme.

The following chart shows rebated system installations by county (total of 9,500 systems). Cork experienced by far the highest number of installed systems. It is the second largest county in Ireland in terms of population and located in the most southern part of the island. Phase 1 of the programme (March 2006 to October 2007) categorizes grants by either hot water or hot water and heating. Phase II and III change the grant type categorisation to flat plate or evacuated tubes.