If you are a farmer or rural business owner in Ireland, you may be interested in applying for the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) 3 solar PV grant. This grant is designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar PV, in the agricultural sector. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key considerations when applying for the TAMS 3 solar PV grant.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the TAMS 3 solar PV grant, it is important to check that you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, you must be a farmer or rural business owner who is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. You must also have a Tax Reference Number (TRN) and a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). The grant is available for new or existing buildings
Application Process
To apply for the TAMS 3 solar PV grant, you will need to submit an application form to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The application form is available on the department's website and should be completed and submitted along with any required documentation, such as planning permission, quotes from suppliers, and evidence of ownership or leasehold of the building.
It is important to note that there are certain deadlines for submitting applications, and these can vary depending on the type of project. For example, applications for the solar PV grant must be submitted by the end of the year in which the project is due to be completed. It is therefore important to check the deadlines carefully and ensure that you submit your application in plenty of time.
Grant Amount
The TAMS 3 solar PV grant is available for up to 60% of the total eligible costs of the project, subject to a maximum grant of €90,000. The eligible costs include the cost of the solar PV system itself, as well as any associated costs such as installation, cabling, and inverters. It is important to note that the grant is only available for new systems and cannot be used to retrofit existing systems.
Grant Payment
Once your application has been approved, the grant will be paid in two instalments. The first instalment will be paid once the system has been installed and commissioned, and the second instalment will be paid once the system has been inspected and approved by the department. It is important to keep accurate records of all costs associated with the project, as these may be subject to audit by the department.
Post-Installation Requirements
After the solar PV system has been installed, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to comply with the terms of the grant. . The system must also comply with all relevant safety and technical standards.
In addition, the system must be maintained and serviced regularly to ensure that it remains in good working order. This may involve cleaning the panels, checking the inverters, and monitoring the system's performance. It is important to keep accurate records of all maintenance and servicing activities, as these may be required by the department in the event of an audit.
Conclusion
The TAMS 3 solar PV grant is a valuable opportunity for farmers and rural business owners in Ireland to adopt renewable energy technologies and reduce their reliance on the grid. By meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting a strong application, and complying with the terms of the grant, you can access up to 40% of the total eligible costs of the project, subject to a maximum grant of €80,000. With careful planning and attention to detail, the TAMS 3 solar PV grant can help to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for farmers and rural businesses