Grants For Renewable Energy

SEAI offer grants for both domestic and commercial Solar PV installations. Tax incentives for businesses are also available, through the ACA

The Accelerated Capital Allowances: the ACA is a tax incentive aimed at companies paying corporation tax, sole-traders and non-corporates. The scheme allows them to write off 100% of the purchase value of qualifying energy efficient equipment against their profit in the first year of purpose. Solar PV systems can qualify for the scheme provided the model of solar panel is registered on the Triple E Register.

Grants via EXEED: The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) programme offers grant support to business and industry for energy improvements and can encompass grant support for solar PV systems. More detail can be found on the EXEED webpage.

Domestic Grants

How Much Money?

The SEAI offer a grant up to €2,100 for the installation of Solar PV panels, in your home to generate renewable electricity. To receive up to €2,100 of a grant from SEAI, you will need to complete the following steps below.

Who Can Apply?

All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2021 can apply. This is defined as the date your electricity meter was installed.

Before You Apply

Before you invest in Solar PV it’s worth doing some research. See what the planning considerations are, estimate the payback and see if your home is ready for renewables. Please visit their web site for any additional information on the grant process.

Click Here For The SEAI Grant Page For Domestic Customers

Grant Process, Step By Step

SEAI Website

1. Appoint Solar Panel Installer

Firstly, you will need to get quotes from registered solar panel installer companies. You should make a note of all the quotes and pick the best one for your budget and property. Make sure to do your research and compare like for like as the cheapest is not always best.

2. Apply for Solar Panel Grant

Next, you will need to fill in the solar panel grant application form online. This can all be found on SEAI web site and any additional information. You should wait for approval on the grant amount before you begin installing the solar panels.

3. Solar Panel Installer Applies to ESB Networks

Your solar panel installer will then apply to ESB Networks to confirm the connection to the electricity distribution network. This can take around 4 weeks so you should be patient and wait before you start installing.

4. Install Your Solar Panels

After you’ve received approval and have heard back from ESB Networks, you can then start installing your solar panels.

5. Obtain Your BER Rating

Then, after your solar panels have been installed, you will need to get your BER rating. Your BER rating is extremely important so you must contact a BER rating assessor as soon as possible to make sure you get your property assessed. If you don’t, you might lose out on the solar panel grant.

6. Solar Panel documentation

Your solar panel installer will then send on the documentation you’ll need for getting the solar panels approved. This is mostly done through an online portal that you and the solar install can access to view any of your solar documents. The installer will also send a copy to the SEAI for them to approve before giving you the grant.

7. SEAI Process the Grant Claim

Once all the documentation has been received, the SEAI will process your solar panel grant application and will decide whether you qualify. If you’re successful, the SEAI will pay the grant into your bank account which usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks.