Solar electricity grant
This grant will help you install Solar Photovoltaic panels in your home to generate renewable electricity. Learn about the grant values and how to apply.
About the grant
The Solar PV Scheme which operates under the Microgeneration Support Scheme, is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment through SEAI. All applications are subject to the following conditions:
To qualify for the grant, you must ensure you have created a solar PV grant application and that approval is in place before proceeding with works.
Once you have received Grant approval, you will have 8 months to complete the works and submit the declaration of works. It's extremely important these timelines are adhered to ensure your grant payment. After 8 months the grant will expire and will be declined.
Draft Applications:
- It is crucial to be aware that a draft application is not considered a completed application.
- You must receive a Letter of Offer confirming the potential grant amount for which you are eligible. If you have not yet received this Letter of Offer, then the grant has not been secured.
- Please remember that once a draft application is submitted, the grant amount you are eligible for is fixed at the rate in place at the time of the Letter of Offer being issued and for the offer duration (8 months).
- Once you submit your application, a change of company will require cancellation of your application and the creation of a new one nominating the new company. Where the grant amounts have changed in the meantime, you will be eligible for the grant amount in effect at the time of creating the new application.
There will be a change in the Solar PV grant amount effective from 1st January 2025. The maximum grant value will be reduced from the current cap of €2100 to €1800. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your application is fully completed and submitted before this date to be eligible for the higher grant amount.
Who is eligible
- All homeowners, including private landlords
- Homes built and occupied before 31st December 2020
- No previous funding for Solar PV at this MPRN
Before you apply
- Read the Solar PV Scheme Application Guide
- Read the Solar PV Terms and Conditions
- Speak with a registered Company
- Arrange a BER assessor
- See if your home is ready for renewables, what you can expect to pay and estimate your payback
Grant value for solar electricity
* the grant is paid on a pro rata basis e.g. for a 2.5kWp system the grant value would be €1,725
| Grant name | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV grant | €800 per kWp up to 2kWp | €1600 for 2kWp solar panels |
| €250 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp Total Solar PV grant capped at €2100 | €1850 for 3kWp solar panels €2100 for 4kWp solar panels |
There will be a change in the Solar PV grant amount effective from 1st January 2025. The maximum grant value will be reduced from the current cap of €2100 to €1800. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your application is fully completed and submitted before this date to be eligible for the higher grant amount. You will then have 8 months from the day you receive your Letter of Offer to complete the works.
How to apply
- We advise you to shop around and get 4 different quotes from different registered companies.
- Research the Company you have selected and look for references from them.
- Check that the Company is on the SEAI register.
- Make sure you have a contract in place.
- SEAI does not approve, guarantee, or warranty a company or their works.
- Apply for your grant and wait for your grant offer before you start the works. Do not start works until you receive the grant offer.
- Check the company carrying out your installation is the company referenced in your Letter of Offer. If you need to change the company, you will need to contact the helpdesk to cancel your existing application and reapply with the correct company. This can only be done if the works have not started.
- For OMC (Owner Management Company) properties, applications can only be created by the OMC unit or the associated PMA (Property Management Agency), with written authorisation from the OMC. You will need to contact our SPV team on [email protected] or 018082004 before creating an application to retrieve the forms required to apply.
- See below top tips for a smooth grant application process.
- Before your grant can be processed you must get a post works BER carried out
- Arrange this once you receive your install date from your SPV company
- You must engage a BER assessor to do this https://ndber.seai.ie/PASS/Assessors/Search.asp
(Many homeowners forget this step and end up waiting longer for their grant payment. Try to get your BER arranged immediately after your solar PV has been installed. This will speed up your grant payment).
- Once you have engaged a BER assessor, advise them of all upgrade works carried out on your home. The more information you can provide at the early stages ahead of the survey, the better.
- Letter of Engagement - BER assessors should provide a contract or letter of engagement for you to sign prior to commencement of the BER assessment work. This should contain a description of the proposed services, a quotation of the proposed costs (including VAT and expenses) and the disclosure of all relevant business interests. This is a mandatory part of the BER assessor process and provides clarity of expectations on both sides - see an example.
- Homeowner Checklist - Before a BER assessor carries out an assessment on your home, it's a good idea to review this handy checklist with tips to ensure that you they are prepared for your assessor. It can save time and ensures that you know what to expect and are prepared with the relevant documentation to get the best rating possible
- See lots more information on getting a BER assessment. We recommend you familiarise yourself with this information to ensure that you are prepared and informed for this part of the process.
Top tips
These tips will help you create a successful Solar PV grant application and outline the actions you need to take to ensure a smooth grant process from start to finish.
- The grant, once approved, is only payable in respect of the measure, size of installation and grant amount referenced in the Grant Offer. Should you wish to increase the size of your array, you will need to contact the Solar PV Team in advance of works commencing, including up to the day of the install, but before works start.
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The Grant offer once accepted is only payable in respect of the measure(s) contained in the application and referenced in the grant offer. Any scope changes in terms of the size, type of installation and/or selected company, must receive prior approval from SEAI. Scope changes not notified and approved by SEAI will not be eligible for payment.
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Applicants are eligible for the grant amounts that are in effect at the time of application i.e. if you cancel an application and then recreate a new application, and the grant amounts have changed in the meantime, you will be eligible for the grant amount in effect at the time of creating the new application and not those that were in effect at the time of the original application..
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A change of company will require cancellation of your application and the creation of a new one, nominating the new company. Where the grant amounts have changed in the meantime, you will be eligible for the grant amount in effect at the time of creating the new application
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Get your BER arranged immediately after your solar PV has been installed. This will speed up your grant payment. Ensure BER assessor publishes it as soon as completed.
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Check the company carrying out the installation is the company referenced in your approval letter/email. If you need to change the company, you will need to contact the helpdesk to cancel your existing application and reapply with the correct company. This can only be done if the works have not started.
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Ensure your company uploads ALL the required documentation after installation, ideally within 1-3 days.
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Check the bank account details that are entered in the portal are correct. Bank details must be your account (the applicant) or the Solar PV company's account. You can log into your portal to check these details.
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Retain all invoices, receipts and documents of completion of works for presentation to SEAI personnel should your home be chosen for QA inspection at some date in the future. These may also be required for your BER assessment.
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Once inspections reworks are complete, payment will be processed 2 weeks after.
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For any technical advice or queries, please contact our technical team, you can contact them on 012776977 or [email protected]
- Solar PV Scheme Application Guide For Homeowners
- SPV Company Declaration of Insurance
- SPV Installer Declaration of Insurance
- SPV Code of Practice
- Solar PV Grant Declaration of Works Form
- Solar PV Grant Inspection and Testing Report
- Solar PV Grant Completion Checklist
- Solar PV QADP - Quality Assurance and Development Programme for Solar PV Registered Companies and Registered Installers
- Shared Homeowner Template
SEAI has three energy upgrade options
Whether you want to improve one area or completely upgrade your home, we have grant options available.
Contact us
Call: 01808 2004
Email: [email protected]