**5. Conclusions**

This study demonstrates the impact of the based solar PV microgeneration project on the electricity grid in Ireland and outlines the most suitable crowdfunding mechanisms for the development of based solar PV microgeneration projects and details the financial costs associated with the project.

The solar PV system (122.4 kWp) designed for the project comprised an array containing 6 modules (300 watts each) on each unit (roof area 10.042 m<sup>2</sup> and 408 modules). The electricity network model was modelled on a typical network supply. The addition of the project to the electrical network resulted in peak demand increase on the MV feeders and increased voltage on MV and LV feeders. Coordination of the contribution from solar PV systems is required to avoid formation of new peak demand on distribution transformer and LV feeders. Controlled operation of larger scale solar PV projects could reduce the peak demand and smooth the load profile and assist in the voltage regulation on the electrical distribution system network. Technical losses on the MV and LV feeders were reduced which shows the potential to reduce the electrical network losses and lower operation costs and savings could be passed on to the consumer. The modelled energy payback time, of the project was 4.59 years and GHG payback time was 1.5 years. The model showed the project mitigated 1315 t of CO2 and at current market price of €21 per tonne of CO2 eq. and carbon credits earned was €27,615. The financial payback (NPV) of the investment will take 12 years based on energy savings and payments for energy sent to the grid. This payback period may be well above what homeowners might require.

Crowdfunding categories are based on project risk e.g., Low-risk crowdfunding models involved non-material returns, Low to medium risk crowdfunding models involved material returns and high-risk crowdfunding models involve financial returns. The project creators and/or crowdfunding campaigners need to convey credibility and as well as create demand for the project. Developing a short video was suggested to outline project as well as the motivation & inspiration to help secure crowd funding. The most suitable crowdfunding platform for community solar PV microgeneration projects include Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, The Funding Circle, Seedrs, Crowdcube or similar platforms which are focused on Lending and/or equity-based crowdfunding.

The modelled solar PV microgeneration system in the project would require total investment of €317,696 plus some variable amounts for campaign cost and profit of the project. The model calculated a displacement of 272 t of oil eq. (Appendix B), significant GHG emissions savings and further greening of the national grids. To encourage the accelerated uptake of the solar PV microgeneration projects in Ireland it is essential to extend REFIT to include solar PV systems which will improve sustainability of electricity supply by self-generation, consumption and feeding the excess electricity to the grid.

**Author Contributions:** V.V.—Conducted the original research work, drafted and corrected manuscript draft based on feedback and provided contributions to journal formatted manuscript. M.H.—Review and correction of original manuscript and preparation and finalizing manuscript for journal. K.M.—Review and correction of original manuscript and project supervisor.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
