The government on Monday announced plans to provide grants to people wishing to install solar powered hot water systems in their homes.

The grants will be provided by the renewable energy sources and energy saving fund, and will allow for a total of 1,500 households to receive grants should they wish to install such systems.

Most households will be eligible for a €500 grant, while households in mountainous areas and vulnerable people able to receive grants of up to €900.

The government explained that the scheme “provides for a subsidy for the installation or replacement of integrated water heating systems, of which the equipment meets minimum technical criteria”.

Installations must be carried out by certified installers and the equipment installed must be included in the government’s list of approved equipment.

The government added that applicants must obtain pre-approval before installing the new hot water systems.