July 08, 2025

Solar panels have become an increasingly popular choice for Irish homeowners who want to reduce their electricity bills and environmental impact. If you’re wondering, “Is there a solar grant in Ireland?”, you’re not alone.

To encourage the switch to renewable energy, the Irish government, through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), offers a grant to help cover the cost of installing home solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This grant makes solar more accessible by reducing upfront installation costs.

In this article, we’ll explore what the solar grant is, who’s eligible, how much you can get, and how to apply for it.

1. What Is the SEAI Home Solar Grant?

The SEAI Home Solar Grant is a financial incentive provided by the Irish government to support homeowners and landlords with installing solar PV systems. These systems use daylight to generate electricity for home use.

By installing solar PV panels, households can:

• Reduce their reliance on electricity from the national grid

• Lower their energy bills

• Export excess electricity to the grid (through the Clean Export Guarantee)

This grant is part of Ireland’s wider commitment to climate action, renewable energy adoption, and improving energy efficiency in older homes.

2. Who Can Apply for the Grant?

The solar grant is available to a wide range of property owners, but there are a few important eligibility criteria (source: SEAI):

• Homeownership: You must own the home or be a private landlord.

• Age of home: The property must have been built and occupied before 31 December 2020.

• First-time applicants only: The property must not have previously received SEAI funding for solar PV.

• Apply before starting work: You must apply and receive grant approval before purchasing equipment or beginning installation.

These rules are designed to ensure the scheme benefits existing homes undergoing energy upgrades, rather than new build properties.

3. How Much Funding Is Available?

As of 2025, the grant is structured based on the size of the solar PV system you install. Here’s how the funding works:

• €700 per kWp for the first 2 kWp

• €200 per kWp for additional capacity from 2-4 kWp

• Maximum grant available: €1,800

Examples:

• A 2 kWp system would receive €1,400 (5 panels)

• A 3 kWp system would receive €1,600 (7 panels)

• A 4 kWp system (or larger) would receive the maximum of €1,800 (9 panels)

Keep in mind that the size of the system depends on your energy needs, roof size, and orientation. Since grant values may change over time, it’s a good idea to check the SEAI website for the latest figures.

4. What Types of Systems Are Covered?

The SEAI grant applies exclusively to solar PV systems, which generate electricity. It does not cover solar thermal systems, which are used to heat water.

Battery storage may be included in your installation, but the grant amount is based solely on the capacity (kWp) of the solar panels, not whether a battery is included.

5. Does the Grant Include VAT?

No, the grant amount is calculated before VAT. However, since May 2023, the VAT rate on solar panel installations for private homes in Ireland is 0%. This means you don’t pay VAT on materials or labour, which effectively lowers the overall cost of the installation even further, regardless of whether you apply for the grant.

6. How to Apply for the Solar Grant: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simple guide to help you through the application process:

Step 1: Choose a Registered Installer

Only SEAI-registered installers can carry out grant-supported solar PV installations. You can find an up-to-date list of registered companies on the SEAI website.

Step 2: Apply for the Grant

Apply online via the SEAI Grant Application Portal.

Step 3: Receive a Grant Offer

If your application is approved, SEAI will send you a Letter of Offer, outlining your grant amount and the conditions. This letter is valid for 8 months.

Reputable solar installers will typically take over all grant paperwork once it has been approved.

Step 4: Install Your System

Once you have the Letter of Offer, your installer can carry out the work. Make sure the installation matches the system details in your grant application.

Step 5: Get a Post-Installation BER

After the system is installed, you’ll need to arrange a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment. This is a requirement for claiming the grant.

Step 6: Submit Your Claim

After your BER is complete, submit the following documents via the SEAI portal:

• Declaration of Works, signed by both you and your installer

• BER Certificate

• Your bank account details (IBAN/BIC) for payment

Step 7: Receive Your Grant

Once SEAI verifies your claim, the grant will be paid directly to your solar installer, or into your bank account, as per contract agreement with you and your installer. This usually takes a few weeks.

It’s important to us that you receive your grant payment, and we will work with you to ensure that all the boxes are ticked. For this reason, we take the grant value off your initial quote and the grant is paid directly to us, reducing your upfront cost and any risks associated with not receiving the grant.

Important: Ask your solar installer if they do the grant paperwork.

We unfortunately have received messages from homeowners who went solar with smaller installers and have been left out of pocket due to companies being dissolved and paperwork not completed. We do not want this to happen to you.

7. Key Things to Keep in Mind

• Apply early: You must apply and receive your grant approval before starting any work.

• Only use SEAI-registered installers: This is essential for grant eligibility.

• Stick to your approved system: Any changes after approval may affect your funding.

• You have 8 months: Complete the installation and submit your claim within this period.

• Planning permission: Typically, not required for residential solar.

8. Where to Learn More

You can find more detailed information and access the online application portal at SEAI. There, you can:

• Download the Solar PV Grant Application Guide

• Start your online application

• Browse the list of SEAI-registered installers

Conclusion

The SEAI solar grant is a practical and well-structured initiative designed to make solar electricity more accessible to homeowners across Ireland. While the process involves several steps, it’s straightforward if you follow the correct order: apply first, choose a registered installer, complete the necessary paperwork, and submit your claim.

Or, enjoy an easy and stress-free process with a reputable solar installer who will do this on your behalf.

With the added benefit of 0% VAT on installations, now is a good time to consider solar as part of your home’s energy future. The grant won’t cover the full cost, but it can significantly reduce the initial investment, and the long-term savings on electricity can be substantial.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re thinking about going solar, we can help make the process stress-free. Complete the form below to get a free home solar quote and consultation.

We’ll also handle the SEAI grant application for you, ensuring you get the maximum funding available. Let’s make your move to solar simple and rewarding.