Finlay Motor Group gets solar approved export connection to the grid

Finlay Motor Group, the Ford dealership based in Naas, Co. Kildare, in partnership with Pinergy SolarElectric, has become one of the country’s first commercial sites to be granted an energy export connection to the grid through the newly established ESB Networks Mini Generation process.

Pinergy SolarElectric has installed 60 kWp of solar PV on the roof of the Finlay Motor Group dealership and has made one of the first NC7 export connections in Ireland, which will now enable them to take advantage of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS).

The granting of the export connection to Finlay Motor Group is a significant first step in creating opportunities for commercial property owners across Ireland to reduce their need for energy from the grid and create opportunities to export and sell their excess energy.

Export connections are commonplace in many other European countries. This is a key strategy of the Government’s Climate Action Plan as Ireland looks to build a more diversified approach to renewables.

Many other commercial properties and businesses are now set to follow Finlay Motor Group to take advantage of self-generation solar energy technology and the Government support scheme to encourage additional and localised renewable energy sources to feed into Ireland’s national grid.

Speaking about the Solar PV installation, Gary Finlay, dealer principal at Finlay Motor Group said: “We are very excited to finally have Solar PV installed on the roof of our building here in Naas as it marks a big step in our sustainability journey utilising renewable energy.

“Like most businesses across the country, we are really seeing the impacts that rising energy costs are having on our business. This investment in Solar PV, installed by Pinergy SolarElectric, will allow us to benefit from lower energy costs, security of energy supply and eventually earn an income from our excess energy.”

Michael Norton, head of commercial sales at Pinergy SolarElectric added: “We are experiencing growing demand for our Solar PV offering from commercial clients. The introduction of the Mini-generation Support Scheme earlier this year is really encouraging businesses and farms to invest in this technology.

“It is great to see Finlay Motor Group taking the step to switch to renewable energy and play their part in Ireland’s energy transition.