Everything you need to know about the Solar PV Grant
The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) offers grants for homeowners wishing to install solar PV panels on their property.
If you are considering getting solar PV panels installed for your home, you may have already heard of the SEAI Solar Energy Grant.
We will cover everything you need to know about the grant and how to get the wheels in motion for your solar energy system.
What is the Solar Electricity Grant?
The Solar Electricity Grant is offered to help you install Solar PV panels in your home to generate renewable electricity.
SEAI is a government funded entity with the goal to create a sustainable, affordable, and green Ireland.
You must apply on the SEAI website and receive a grant offer before you get the solar panels or have any installations carried out.
At this time, the grant is focused on solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and this is the only product type a grant can be offered for.
Do I qualify?
In order to qualify for the Solar Electricity Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be an owner of the home which was built and occupied before 2021
- All materials and products must be new and not covered under previous grant schemes
- Ensure the company you use is registered with SEAI
- Ensure that electrical work is completed by a safe Electric Ireland electrician
- Provide an application to ESB Networks using the NC6 form to be connected to the electricity distribution system (This should be carried out by your installer before fitting the system)
- Provide a Declaration of Works signed by a registered installer on the SEAI Solar PV Approved Installer list
- Once work has been completed, have a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment
- Meet all requirements as stated in the Solar PV Code of Practice
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
No, you do not need to apply for planning permission for the installation of solar panels under certain conditions. These conditions are as follows:
- The distance between the plane of the wall or a pitched roof and the panel shall not exceed 15 cm
- The distance between the plan of a flat roof and the panel shall not exceed 50 cm
- The solar panels shall be a minimum of 50 cm from any edge of the wall or roof on which it is to be mounted
- The height of a free-standing solar array shall not exceed 2 metres at its highest point, above ground level
- A free-standing solar array shall not be placed on or forward of the front wall of the house
- The erection of any free-standing solar array shall not reduce the area of private open space to the rear or side of the house to less than 25 square metres
Contact your local authority in cases when you do not meet these conditions, or where your home is either a protected structure or is located within a protected area.
What is a kilowatt peak (kWp)?
A kWp is the unit of measurement for the output of a photovoltaic system.
This is the maximum rate that your solar panel can generate energy when in peak conditions.
For example, 4 kWp panel can produce up to 4,000 watts of power.
This means you could run a washing machine 8 times entirely with the power generated from your solar system.
What is the value of the Solar Electricity Grant?
The value of the grant is determined by the solar panel output, as opposed to the number of panels you have.
Grant value | Example |
|---|---|
€700 per kWp up to 2kWp | €1,400for 2kWp solar panels |
€200 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp | €1,600 for 3kWp solar panels |
Maximum solar PV grant capped at €1800 | €1,800 for 4kWp solar panels |
For residential solar PV installations, the SEAI Solar Electricity Grant is capped at €1,800 in 2026. The grant is paid on a pro rata basis
When is the grant paid?
The grant will be paid to you via electronic funds transfer (EFT) into the bank account you submit online upon completion of the work.
Keep this in mind when comparing costs, as you will need to cover the total upfront cost before receiving the grant payment later.
Keep all documentation provided to you by your solar panel supplier and electrician in a safe space.
You must provide documentation to SEAI once the work is complete.
It is also useful if you want to sell your property in the future.
How can I apply for the Solar Electricity Grant?
You can apply for the Solar Electricity Grant on the SEAI online application portal.
Finding a solar panel supplier
To find a solar supplier, it is crucial that you compare offers from several companies to choose the one that suits your needs. It is encouraged that you have conversations about the circumstances of your property and household to get a full picture of what solar panels can mean for you energy bills and finances.
By using Electricity.ie, you can easily get offers from up to four solar panel providers that operate in your area. Simply fill out the short form to start receiving offers.
Save time
Skip the hassle of chasing companies that offer good solar energy systems. Let the suppliers come to you instead.
Save money
Get offers from up to four competing solar suppliers and choose the one that meets your needs the most.
Free and non-binding
Choose whether you want to accept an offer or not. If you're not happy with any of them, you're free to decline them all.