Managing Director of Eco Horizon, Ciaran Kells, was recently featured on Agriland, where he spoke about the Minister’s decision to reject the majority of solar grant applications under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).
TAMS includes ten different support measures, one of which is the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS). Applications for Tranche 10 closed on December 5th, with 7,906 submissions received by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. However, only around 10% of these applications are expected to be approved.
A new application window, Tranche 11, opened in the week beginning March 6th, 2026. This round focuses solely on solar panel systems designed to meet on-farm energy needs.
Ciaran Kells, who also serves as Chairperson of the Micro Renewable Energy Federation (MREF), has expressed concern about the impact of these changes. He believes the current approach limits access to funding and leaves many farmers without the support they had expected.
He also called for clearer communication around the policy direction, particularly regarding the decision to restrict grant aid to systems used only for on-site energy consumption. According to Kells, this has already been a requirement under TAMS 3, making the change seem unnecessary.
Kells highlighted a number of broader issues. Farmers are being encouraged to take stronger action on climate change, yet may now have fewer supports available to help reduce emissions on their farms.
He also pointed to ongoing instability in global energy markets, noting that Ireland remains heavily reliant on imported fuels. Expanding small-scale renewable energy generation, he suggested, could help improve long-term energy security.
Overall, Kells warned that the current situation is creating uncertainty for both farmers and the solar industry. He stressed the need for clearer direction and more consistent support to help farmers make confident, informed decisions about investing in renewable energy.
