The Green Party will be introducing a bill to the Seanad next week that would allow agricultural and industrial buildings to be able to install larger solar arrays without planning permission.

The Solar Panel Bill will amend "outdated" planning and development regulations to also remove planning restrictions for public buildings, schools and homes.

Green Party senator Pauline O’Reilly will be introducing the bill next week.

“We have the potential for lots of solar power in Ireland, but very few solar panels generating electricity," senator O'Reilly said.

"The reason for that has nothing really to do with our weather or perceived lack of sun, and everything to do with policy and red tape.

"There are also restrictions on the size and number of panels that can be used, and this means they are too small for the needs of the building.

"This bill amendment will open up opportunities for schools and other buildings to install enough panels to finally power some or all of their electricity needs and to sell any excess electricity that they generate back to the grid.”

Green Party TD and chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action Brian Leddin said it is critical for Ireland's future to make access to renewable energy as easy and affordable as possible.

"This bill will address the solar power needs of homes, businesses, industrial buildings and agricultural buildings," he said.

"It will remove the red tape and make it easier, cheaper and quicker for buildings to install solar panels to produce free, clean renewable electricity.”