PICTURE: Solar Panel Grant
MAY 15 2024
In response to climate change, the installation of solar panels in Ireland has been on the rise for both energy efficiency and sustainability purposes.
In order to encourage the shift to renewable energy, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provides grant funding for the installation of Solar PV and Solar thermal. Investing in solar is backed by a number of government incentives and support schemes. To encourage Ireland to reduce its carbon emissions, the 2024 budget announced a reduction in the VAT on solar panel installations to 0%. Read on to find out more about the solar panel grants available in Ireland, which type of solar panels can be covered, and how to apply.
How much is the grant?
Solar panel systems vary depending on property size and outputs. The grant amount received is based on the peak electricity output measured in kilowatt-peak (kWp). The maximum grant amount for solar panel installation in Ireland is €2,100.
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There is also a solar water heating grant for solar thermal systems that transform energy from the sun into hot water for your home, meeting 50-60% of your annual hot water needs:
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Do I qualify for the solar panel grant?
Homeowners and private landlords in Ireland can apply for a grant for solar panels. The property must have been built and occupied before 2021 to be eligible. You cannot have applied for a similar grant in the past.
What to consider before applying for the solar electricity grant
The SEAI needs to approve your application before you can receive the solar panel grant. To qualify for it, make sure you meet all the criteria set by them, or your application will likely be denied.
Proof of home ownership
To qualify for the solar panel grant, you must own the property and it must have been built before 2021. The grant is not available for tenants.
Have your safe electrical certificates to hand
Make sure to hire a Safe Electric Ireland electrician for any electrical work and get a BER rating assessment after installation.
Get connected to the electricity distribution system
To connect to the Electricity Distribution System, you will need to apply to ESB Networks by filling out and submitting the ESB Networks NC6 form.
Use a registered solar panel company
To qualify for the solar panel grant, you must use a registered solar panel company listed on the SEAI website. Talk to Energia about our smart solar bundle and how we can help manage the grant process for you.
The process of applying for a solar panel grant
Before going ahead with the installation of solar panels, we recommend getting multiple quotes from registered solar panel installation companies to determine the cost. Compare the quotes and choose the one that best suits your budget and property. Talk to us about a Smart Solar Bundle today.
The solar panel grant application process
To get the solar panel grant in Ireland, visit the SEAI website or contact them directly. Find the application form and guidelines on their site. Fill out the form with accurate information and include all documents required. The SEAI will review your application to see if you are eligible. If approved, you will receive confirmation and instructions on installing your solar panels. After installation, you can simply submit your invoices and documents for reimbursement.
The solar grant application process can be complex, but the great news is that we can take care of this process for you, from paperwork to installation we can guide the entire process. We also discount the grant up front, meaning you pay less in the first instance.
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Apply to ESB networks
Your installation provider must apply to ESB Networks to connect your solar panel system to the main electricity network in Ireland. This application must be submitted before any installation work starts. Processing times vary but they typically take at least 20 working days. Once your application has been approved, your solar panel installation can begin.
Get a BER certificate
To get your SEAI grant, make sure to get a BER certificate after the installation. Use SEAI's National Register of BER Assessors to find an assessor. Schedule the assessment as quickly as possible to avoid delays with your grant payment.
Processing your claim
Once your solar panel installer has completed the installation, they will provide you with the necessary documentation for approval. This paperwork will also be sent off for review by the SEAI, ensuring a smooth process for securing your grant.
After receiving all required documentation, SEAI will review and process your solar panel grant application. If approved, the grant will be deposited into your bank account within 4 to 6 weeks.
Top tips for solar electricity grant applications
Use Energia’s easy-to-remember tips to help with your solar panel grant application.
Prepare all of your documents:
Wait for approval on the grant amount before installing the solar panels. The application process may take some time, so be prepared to wait for approval and reimbursement.
Solar panel grant validity period:
Applicants must complete the approved works and submit the declaration within 8 months of receiving grant approval. Failure to do so will result in the grant being declined.
The good news is that Energia can take care of the entire process for you, removing any headaches from the process and overcoming any hurdles along the way.
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Solar PV supports
The government announced a solar PV scheme last year to provide enhanced support for households, community organisations, and businesses. Solar PV installations with capacities greater than 6 kWp will be eligible for a tiered grant support system up to 1 MW. By making homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable, and less expensive to heat, this initiative aims to reduce energy consumption.
Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, said:
“As a result, our Domestic Solar PV Scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is continuing to power ahead with record levels of applications in 2022 and 2023, resulting in approximately 60,000 homes now being registered as microgenerators.”
By making solar panels more affordable and accessible, we can all take the next step to reduce our climate impact and save money on our electricity bills by installing renewable energy systems in our homes. Government initiatives like the Solar PV Scheme are great ways to encourage homeowners and businesses to do just that. Find out more about the Solar PV Scheme and the offers we have available.
Want to learn more?
Read the rest of our solar guides!
How much is the grant?
Solar panel systems vary depending on property size and outputs. The grant amount received is based on the peak electricity output measured in kilowatt-peak (kWp). The maximum grant amount for solar panel installation in Ireland is €2,100.
There is also a solar water heating grant for solar thermal systems that transform energy from the sun into hot water for your home, meeting 50-60% of your annual hot water needs:
Do I qualify for the solar panel grant?
Homeowners and private landlords in Ireland can apply for a grant for solar panels. The property must have been built and occupied before 2021 to be eligible. You cannot have applied for a similar grant in the past.
What to consider before applying for the solar electricity grant
The SEAI needs to approve your application before you can receive the solar panel grant. To qualify for it, make sure you meet all the criteria set by them, or your application will likely be denied.
Proof of home ownership
To qualify for the solar panel grant, you must own the property and it must have been built before 2021. The grant is not available for tenants.
Have your safe electrical certificates to hand
Make sure to hire a Safe Electric Ireland electrician for any electrical work and get a BER rating assessment after installation.
Get connected to the electricity distribution system
To connect to the Electricity Distribution System, you will need to apply to ESB Networks by filling out and submitting the ESB Networks NC6 form.
Use a registered solar panel company
To qualify for the solar panel grant, you must use a registered solar panel company listed on the SEAI website. Talk to Energia about our smart solar bundle and how we can help manage the grant process for you.
The process of applying for a solar panel grant
Before going ahead with the installation of solar panels, we recommend getting multiple quotes from registered solar panel installation companies to determine the cost. Compare the quotes and choose the one that best suits your budget and property. Talk to us about a Smart Solar Bundle today.
The solar panel grant application process
To get the solar panel grant in Ireland, visit the SEAI website or contact them directly. Find the application form and guidelines on their site. Fill out the form with accurate information and include all documents required. The SEAI will review your application to see if you are eligible. If approved, you will receive confirmation and instructions on installing your solar panels. After installation, you can simply submit your invoices and documents for reimbursement.
The solar grant application process can be complex, but the great news is that we can take care of this process for you, from paperwork to installation we can guide the entire process. We also discount the grant up front, meaning you pay less in the first instance.
Apply to ESB networks
Your installation provider must apply to ESB Networks to connect your solar panel system to the main electricity network in Ireland. This application must be submitted before any installation work starts. Processing times vary but they typically take at least 20 working days. Once your application has been approved, your solar panel installation can begin.
Get a BER certificate
To get your SEAI grant, make sure to get a BER certificate after the installation. Use SEAI's National Register of BER Assessors to find an assessor. Schedule the assessment as quickly as possible to avoid delays with your grant payment.
Processing your claim
Once your solar panel installer has completed the installation, they will provide you with the necessary documentation for approval. This paperwork will also be sent off for review by the SEAI, ensuring a smooth process for securing your grant.
After receiving all required documentation, SEAI will review and process your solar panel grant application. If approved, the grant will be deposited into your bank account within 4 to 6 weeks.
Top tips for solar electricity grant applications
Use Energia’s easy-to-remember tips to help with your solar panel grant application.
Prepare all of your documents:
- Your email address
- The MPRN number of your house
- The year your property was built
- Your chosen registered solar panel company such as Energia
- Information about the solar panel that you are installing.
Wait for approval on the grant amount before installing the solar panels. The application process may take some time, so be prepared to wait for approval and reimbursement.
Solar panel grant validity period:
Applicants must complete the approved works and submit the declaration within 8 months of receiving grant approval. Failure to do so will result in the grant being declined.
The good news is that Energia can take care of the entire process for you, removing any headaches from the process and overcoming any hurdles along the way.
Solar PV supports
The government announced a solar PV scheme last year to provide enhanced support for households, community organisations, and businesses. Solar PV installations with capacities greater than 6 kWp will be eligible for a tiered grant support system up to 1 MW. By making homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable, and less expensive to heat, this initiative aims to reduce energy consumption.
Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, said:
“As a result, our Domestic Solar PV Scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is continuing to power ahead with record levels of applications in 2022 and 2023, resulting in approximately 60,000 homes now being registered as microgenerators.”
By making solar panels more affordable and accessible, we can all take the next step to reduce our climate impact and save money on our electricity bills by installing renewable energy systems in our homes. Government initiatives like the Solar PV Scheme are great ways to encourage homeowners and businesses to do just that. Find out more about the Solar PV Scheme and the offers we have available.
Want to learn more?
Read the rest of our solar guides!