SEAI Ireland

Domestic Solar Grants.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a Solar Electricity PV Grant to support homeowners, including private landlords, in installing solar photovoltaic panels. This grant is a part of Ireland's effort to promote renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here's a summary of the key points you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the grant, your home must have been built and occupied before December 31, 2020, and you should not have received previous funding for Solar PV at your property. The grant is open to all homeowners and landlords.

  • Grant Values: The grant is calculated based on the size of the solar PV system installed. As of January 2024, the grant values will be reduced:

    • €800 per kWp for systems up to 2kWp.

    • €250 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp.

    • The total grant is capped at €2100.

  • For example, a 2kWp system (approximately 5 panels) will receive €1,600, a 3kWp system (around 7 panels) will get €1,850, and a 4kWp system (about 10 panels) or larger will receive the maximum of €2100.

  • Application Process:

    • Find and appoint a registered SEAI solar PV company: It's advised to get multiple quotes and ensure the company is registered with SEAI.

    • Apply for the grant on the SEAI website: You must receive grant approval before starting the installation work.

    • Installation and Commissioning: After the installation, the solar PV system needs to be commissioned, and a post-works Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required.

  • Planning Permission: For the installation of solar panels on domestic properties, planning permission is generally not required. However, exceptions may apply in certain safeguarding zones.

  • Use of Grant: The grant can be used towards the purchase and installation of the solar PV system, but it does not cover additional equipment like batteries or immersion diverters.

  • Important Deadlines: If you apply for the grant before December 31, 2023, you can still avail of the higher grant value of €2400. Applications received from January 1, 2024, onwards will be subject to the reduced grant values.

For detailed information and to apply for the grant, visit the SEAI website and related resources:

  • SEAI's official page on Solar Electricity Grant SEAI

Heat Pump Grants.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants for homeowners, including private landlords, to install heat pump systems, which are renewable heating systems that offer lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. Here's an overview of the key points regarding these grants:

  • Grant Amounts:

    • The SEAI provides various grants for different types of heat pump systems. For instance, air-to-water and ground source heat pump systems can fetch grants of €6,500 for houses and €4,500 for apartments. Air-to-air heat pump systems are eligible for a grant of €3,500 irrespective of the dwelling type.

    • Additionally, a €200 grant is available for a technical assessment required before applying for a heat pump grant.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    • To be eligible for a heat pump grant, your home must have been built and occupied before 2021.

    • A technical assessment of your home is necessary to determine if it is suitably insulated for a heat pump installation. If your home requires further insulation, this needs to be addressed before or alongside the heat pump installation.

  • Application Process:

    • The process begins with a technical assessment of your home. Based on the assessment, you may need to upgrade your insulation.

    • After addressing insulation requirements, you can apply for the heat pump grant online through the SEAI grants portal.

    • Once you have received provisional approval, you can proceed with choosing a heat pump installer and agree on a contract for installation.

    • The grant payment is usually processed 4-6 weeks after receiving installation documents from your installer.

  • Deep Retrofit Heat Pump Grants:

    • For a comprehensive upgrade of your home's energy efficiency, including the installation of a heat pump, the SEAI offers a deep retrofit grant. This can cover up to €25,000 or half the cost of the works.

  • Additional Information for Landlords:

    • Landlords can avail of the heat pump or deep retrofit grant for each of their properties, contributing significantly to the value of each property.

  • Further Assistance:

    • SEAI-registered installers and technical advisors can assist in the grant application process and guide the most suitable heat pump system for your property.

For more detailed information and to apply for the grant, please visit the SEAI's official website and related resources: