The SEAI Domestic Solar PV grant is available to all homeowners in Ireland whose home was built and occupied before 2021. The maximum grant is €1,800. A post-works BER assessment is required before the grant is paid.
What Is the SEAI Solar PV Grant?
SEAI (the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) operates the Domestic Solar PV Scheme, which provides grants to homeowners who install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The scheme is funded by the Irish Government as part of Ireland's commitment to renewable energy and reducing household carbon emissions.
The grant reduces the upfront cost of installation significantly, making solar panels affordable for the average Irish homeowner. All work must be carried out by a company registered with SEAI under the Solar PV Scheme.
How Much Is the SEAI Solar Grant?
The grant is calculated based on the capacity (in kilowatt-peak, or kWp) of the solar PV system you install:
| System Capacity | Grant Rate | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First 2kWp | €700 per kWp | €1,400 |
| 2kWp to 4kWp (extra) | €200 per kWp | up to €400 |
| Maximum grant (solar PV) | — | €1,800 |
Grant rates confirmed at €1,800 maximum for 2026 by Minister O'Brien. The battery storage grant under the domestic scheme has been discontinued. Always check seai.ie for the latest rates.
If you install a 4kWp system: you receive (2 × €700) + (2 × €200) = €1,400 + €400 = €1,800. This is the maximum grant available for residential solar PV.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the SEAI solar PV grant, you must:
- Be the owner of the property (owner-occupier or private landlord — not tenants)
- Own a property that was built and occupied before 2021
- Use a solar installer registered with SEAI under the Domestic Solar PV Scheme
- Not have previously received an SEAI solar PV grant for the same property (same MPRN)
How to Apply for the SEAI Solar Grant
You apply for the grant yourself online at seai.ie — your installer handles the ESB Networks connection paperwork. The process is:
- Get quotes from SEAI-registered installers (we can help — it's free)
- Apply to SEAI online at seai.ie using your MPRN (from your electricity bill) and installer details
- Receive your Letter of Offer from SEAI before any work starts — do not begin installation until this arrives
- Your installer applies to ESB Networks for grid connection before starting work (takes at least 4 weeks)
- Installation is completed by your chosen SEAI-registered company
- Post-works BER assessment is carried out by a registered BER assessor and published before grant payment
- Grant is paid directly to your bank account by SEAI, typically within 4–6 weeks of all documents being submitted
You must receive your Letter of Offer from SEAI BEFORE your installer begins any work. If work starts before approval, you will not be eligible for the grant.
The Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS)
In addition to the SEAI grant, Irish homeowners can also benefit from the Microgeneration Support Scheme. Under this scheme, your electricity supplier is legally required to pay you a minimum rate (the Clean Export Guarantee, or CEG rate) for any surplus solar electricity you export to the national grid.
This means you can earn money from any electricity your solar panels produce but you don't use, further improving your return on investment.
0% VAT on Solar Panel Installations
Since 1 May 2023, a zero rate of VAT applies to the supply and installation of solar panels on or adjacent to private dwellings in Ireland. This zero rate is in effect until at least 2027. It replaced the previous 13.5% rate, saving several hundred euros on a typical installation. The 0% VAT is applied automatically by your installer and does not require a separate application.
Solar PV and the Home Energy Upgrade Loan
If you need financing to cover the remaining cost after the grant, the SEAI also offers the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme in partnership with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. This provides low-cost loans of between €5,000 and €75,000 for home energy upgrades including solar PV.
Get Started Today
The easiest way to get started is to get quotes from SEAI-registered installers. SolarQuotesIreland.ie connects you with up to 4 registered installers in your county, completely free of charge. Your installer will guide you through the SEAI grant application process.