Solar PV Grant for businesses and farms in Ireland
The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) offers a grant for business owners, farm operators, and other non-profit organisations that are planning to install a solar PV system on their site.
Upon researching the solar PV grant for your business, you may have already come across the SEAI grant scheme for organisations.
We will go through the most common questions asked and provide you with everything you need to know about the grant and how to apply.
What is the solar PV grant for businesses?
The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG) is offered by the SEAI to help install Solar PV panels on your plot or site to allow your company to generate renewable electricity.
Private homeowner? Read about the Solar PV Grant for homes
SEAI is an entity funded by the Irish government to support people and businesses work towards the goal of creating a sustainable, affordable, and green Ireland for all.
The grant offers financial assistance on the costs of installing solar systems up to a maximum of 1000 kWp. Larger systems will not be eligible for the grant.
It is a requirement that your company applies on the SEAI website and receives a grant offer before you get the solar panels or have any installations carried out.
Currently, the grant is only available for solar PV panels and is not available for other forms of solar energy.
What types of businesses can apply for the grant?
The following types of organisations are eligible to apply for the grant: Businesses, farms/agriculture, schools, community centres, and other non-profit organisations.
Regardless of the size of your company, you can apply – whether you are a small local business or a large corporation.
Does my company qualify?
You must be a business, agricultural, public body or non-profit sector
Your premises that you wish to build the solar panels on having been built and occupied on or before 31 December 2020.
Further to this, for your case to qualify for the scheme certain criteria needs to be me, meaning that you must:
The NC6 Microgeneration form is the most common type for solar PV system installations.
Does the company need to apply for planning permission?
The installation of certain solar PV systems on non-domestic properties is exempt from planning permission under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2008.
What is the value of the grant?
The amount you receive from the grant is based upon the output of your solar PV system, measured in kWp.
The scheme can fund a solar PV system with a maximum output of 1000 kWp. Any larger systems will be unable to claim the grant. The maximum grant offer is €162,600 for systems from 1 kWp up to 1000 kWp.
The table below shows the grant value per solar PV system output by kWp.
| Solar PV system | Grant value |
|---|---|
| 1 kWp | €900 |
| 2 kWp | €1,800 |
| 3 kWp | €2,100 |
| 4 kWp - 6 kWp | €2,400 |
| 7 kWp - 20 kWp | €300 per kWp |
| 21 kWp - 200 kWp | €200 per kWp |
| 201 kWp - 1000 kWp | €150 per kWp |
Discuss solar pv systems for your business
The next table demonstrates the grant value paid for different example solar PV system sizes.
| Example of solar PV system size | Grant value |
|---|---|
| 7 kWp | €2,700 |
| 15 kWp | €5,100 |
| 20 kWp | €6,600 |
| 30 kWp | €8,600 |
| 50 kWp | €12,600 |
| 100 kWp | €22,600 |
| 200 kWp | €42,600 |
| 300 kWp | €57,600 |
| 400 kWp | €72,600 |
| 500 kWp | €87,600 |
| 1000 kWp | €162,600 Maximum grant value |
Get in touch with solar panel installers
Talk to your solar panel installer about the system size that makes sense for your business.
How is the grant paid?
Double-check with your bank that the account you provide is able to accept EFTs before submitting it
Know that SEAI cannot process any payment to Credit Union accounts
Ensure that all required and supporting documentation is correctly filled out and submitted to avoid delays or having the payment declined
The grant payment is made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) into the bank account which you submit online.
You must first send documentation to SEAI before receiving the payment.
Once all of your documentation from the solar PV company is sent, allow between 4 to 6 weeks for payment.
If the SEAI requests that an inspection of the works is required, there will be additional processing time before receiving the payment.
You may need to submit extra documentation in line with the Department of Finance circular 44/2006 in certain circumstances.
Need to submit a Tax Clearance Certificate? Go to Revenue Online Service
Get offers from commercial solar suppliers
If the total you have received from grants or subsidies totals to greater than €10,000 during the calendar year, you must submit a Tax Clearance Certificate to Revenue Online Service.
How to apply
You can apply for the Solar Electricity Grant on the Microgen SEAI online application portal.
Find a solar supplier
Finding a solar system supplier for your business is a great task. Comparing offers from several companies is crucial in making sure you choose the company that suits your needs.
It is encouraged that you have conversations about the circumstances of your site to get a full picture of what solar panels can mean for your business.
By using Solarpanels.ie, you can easily get offers from up to four solar panel providers that operate for businesses in your area. Simply fill out the short form to start receiving offers.
