Solar panel grants and schemes in Ireland
If you’re installing solar panels in Ireland, our guide is here to help you find the best grants and financial support options to make your investment even more accessible
Your guide to solar panel grants in Ireland
Are you browsing grants for solar panels in Ireland? Solar panels are a standout choice for reducing environmental impact and lowering your energy bills in the long run. But what about the upfront cost? While solar panel installation is indeed an investment, it can be a wise one, yielding excellent returns over the years.
Plus, there are some helpful solar panel grants in Ireland to make the switch to green energy more affordable and accessible than ever.
So if you’re looking to invest in solar power on a budget, we recommend seeing which solar panel grants and financial support options you may be eligible for. We’ll walk you through some of the best grant options for solar panels in Ireland so you can harness the power of renewables and save money.
Once you have an idea of which solar panel grants are best for you, head over to our comparison tool. Tell us what kind of solar panels you’re looking for, and we’ll compare fantastic offers from the best suppliers and installers across Ireland.
With us, you're just a few clicks away from making a well-informed solar energy decision.
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Why switch to solar?
Embracing solar power combines cleaner energy with potential bill savings. Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity, lessening your reliance on traditional, costlier energy sources. Ireland's push towards a greener future is evident in the range of solar panel grants and schemes available. These initiatives are designed to make solar energy a practical option for homes and businesses alike.
For Irish homeowners and business owners, navigating these options is key. And with potential savings of €24,000 to be made, what are you waiting for? Read on to find out which solar panel grants are best for you and your home or business.
Is it worth getting solar panels in Ireland?
Before we look at funding your solar panels, let’s dive into the common question of whether or not solar panels work in Ireland. The short answer is: absolutely! They can offer reduced energy bills, environmental benefits, energy independence, and increased property value.
Despite Ireland's weather, solar panels work efficiently — even in the rain. Plus, you don’t usually require planning permission for small-scale residential installations.
Even better, Ireland is home to some excellent grants for solar panels. With these financial support options on the cards, you can expect a good return on investment, enhancing your property's value — and boosting your green credentials.
In fact, 2024 has seen a steady increase in solar panel installation across Ireland. In the first half of the year, over 13,400 solar panel systems were installed — all with grant support. We suggest perusing the options detailed below and then getting in touch with the grant provider to check your eligibility and start the process.
Once you know you’ve got your funding secured, we’ll be here to help you find the perfect solar panel supplier.
How to find solar panel grants in Ireland
Grants for solar panels in Ireland vary in their offerings, from simple subsidies to more intricate schemes. They cater to different needs, ensuring that whether you're upgrading your family home or your business, solar panels are within reach.
Once you know where to look, finding and applying for solar panel grants is straightforward. We suggest having a look at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website — it's your go-to for the latest on grants for solar panels.
For a wider search, grant-finding tools can show more options, tailored to your needs.
Check your eligibility: Remember, each grant has its criteria. So think about your property type, location, and energy needs. You need to make sure you tick all the boxes.
Application time: Found a grant you qualify for? Great! Now it’s time to fill out the application form, either online or on paper. You'll need to give details about your property and how you use energy. Be clear and thorough — show why you're a perfect fit for the grant.
Documentation matters: Sometimes, you'll need to provide extra information or documents, such as energy bills or installation plans. Get these ready to make your application shine.
- Keep an eye on deadlines: Missing the cut-off point could mean waiting longer for another chance to get support with your solar panel financing.
Can you get a grant for domestic solar panels in Ireland?
There’s a lot of focus on helping homeowners embrace solar power — but what about businesses? No matter what size company you’re part of or what industry you’re in, there are some helpful solar panel grants to help improve your energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Both of the following grants represent a fantastic opportunity for Irish businesses and organisations to embrace solar energy, offering both environmental and financial benefits.
What is your current roof type?
Solar PV Scheme
The Solar PV Scheme (or Solar Electricity Grant) is part of the Microgeneration Support Scheme. This solar panel grant has been running since July 2018 and is open to all homeowners, including private landlords, as long as the home was built and occupied before 31st December 2020.
Before you can apply for this funding, you’ll need to arrange a visit from a Building Energy Rating (BER) Assessor. We recommend having a look at this before taking any further steps.
How much will you get? You can receive up to €2100 but will need to get your solar panels from an approved supplier.
Best for
Any property built before 2020. However, if your home was built before 1940, we suggest speaking with an architect first to ensure solar panels are a suitable addition.
Solar Water Heating Grant
The Solar Water Heating Grant encourages you to switch to a solar-powered water heating system — It's an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to heat your water using the power of the sun, cutting down on traditional energy use.
The grant is available to homeowners whose properties were built and occupied before 2021, making it a great option for newer build homes.
Once you receive grant approval, the funding is valid for eight months, so it’s important that you’re in a position to get the work started within this timeframe.
How much will you get? You’ll receive a fixed grant — currently standing at €1200 — which can significantly reduce your installation costs.
Best for
Homeowners with newer properties.
One Stop Shop Service
For a hassle-free upgrade to your home's energy efficiency, the One Stop Shop Service is ideal. They offer end-to-end support — from initial advice in choosing the right upgrades (like solar panels), to installation, and even help with the grant application process. This service is perfect for homeowners looking for a comprehensive solution to make their homes greener and more energy-efficient.
To be eligible for this scheme, your property needs to have been built and occupied before 2011 and have an existing building energy rating (BER) of B3 or lower. You must also have not previously received grants for the same home energy upgrades.
How much will you get? The funding you’ll receive depends on the home improvements you opt for. In relation to solar panels, you can receive up to €2100.
You can also receive a standalone grant of €350 to cover the prerequisite Home Energy Assessment.
Best for
Homeowners with older properties (built before 2011. It’s perfect for those planning to undertake multiple energy efficiency improvements at once, such as solar panels, insulation, heating systems, and window upgrades.
Grants for commercial and business solar panels in Ireland
There’s a lot of focus on helping homeowners embrace solar power — but what about businesses? No matter what size company you’re part of or what industry you’re in, there are some helpful solar panel grants to help improve your energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Both of the following grants represent a fantastic opportunity for Irish businesses and organisations to embrace solar energy, offering both environmental and financial benefits.
What is your current roof type?
Non-Domestic Microgen Grant
Great news for a wide range of businesses and organisations! The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant offers a substantial boost with up to €162,600 for installing solar panels — it’s one of the best grants for community buildings.
In fact, this grant is a game-changer for an array of public sector bodies such as schools, community centres, and non-profit societies. It's an excellent opportunity to switch to renewable energy while significantly reducing installation costs. By taking advantage of this grant, you're not just cutting down on energy bills — you're also showcasing a commitment to sustainability and making a positive environmental impact.
In July 2023, the Irish government announced an update to this solar panel grant to help more people access it. They removed planning permission requirements to install solar panels.
At the same time, they reduced VAT to 0% for the supply and installation of solar panels on homes. As Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communication suggested, this is perhaps part of the reason the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland saw record levels of applications in 2022 and 2023. He said that around “60,000 homes [are] now registered as microgenerators.”
Solar Capital Investment Scheme
Are you a farmer looking to invest in solar panels? The Solar Capital Investment Scheme is tailored for you. Part of the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3), this solar panel grant supports farmers across Ireland in making a considerable impact on their energy efficiency and carbon footprint.
It covers a significant part of the installation cost, offering up to 60% of the cost with a maximum grant of €90,000.
It’s an attractive option for those looking to promote sustainable energy practices by building or improving farm buildings with solar PV systems.
Previous solar panel grants in Ireland
In Ireland, there are many solar panel grants available, and new incentives often emerge. Understanding past grants and schemes is insightful. It shows how solar panel funding has evolved in Ireland and hints at possible future initiatives.
This historical perspective helps gauge what's worked well and might shape upcoming opportunities for solar energy funding. Keep an eye out for new developments in this dynamic field.
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Building Blocks - Improvement Grant
The Building Blocks - Improvement Grant was open until 2023 — any projects receiving funding had to be complete by December 2023. This grant was aimed at supporting ELC (Early Learning and Care Services) and SAC (School Age Childcare Services) organisations in making smaller-scale energy improvements.
Whether it was upgrading insulation or installing more efficient heating systems, this grant made such improvements more accessible. Organisations could receive up to €75,000, which could go towards solar panel installation as well as other building improvements.
Deep Retrofit Grant
Running until 2020, the Deep Retrofit Grant was designed for comprehensive home energy upgrades. It focused on significant renovations that dramatically improved energy efficiency. This could include a combination of insulation, window replacements, and renewable energy installations like solar panels. The goal? To significantly reduce energy bills and enhance the overall comfort of homes.
Future solar panel grants in Ireland
These grants played a pivotal role in progressing Ireland's environmental goals. They may have ended, but they paved the way for future schemes. Wondering what's next in Ireland's green energy journey? Stay tuned for new initiatives that continue to promote sustainable living.
How much are solar panels in Ireland?
Now you know a little more about the solar panel grants available in Ireland, it’s helpful to see how this relates to the cost of solar panel installation.
We recommend doing some thorough research on the likely cost of solar panels for your home or business property to make sure you can afford the subsidised installation.
The price of solar panels in Ireland varies greatly depending on factors including:
The type of solar panel you choose (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film)
The number of panels you require
The manufacturer and brand
The installation costs
As a general rule of thumb, however, you can expect to pay between €5,000 and €18,000 for a solar panel system. Please take a look at our guide to solar panel prices in Ireland for a more in-depth analysis.
Compare and save with SpotDif
And how about finding the right provider? SpotDif is here to assist. We make it straightforward for you to search and compare top-quality solar panel providers and installation companies. Our goal is to help you navigate these options, ensuring you find the best fit for your needs and budget. With us, you're just a few clicks away from making a well-informed solar energy decision.
Ready to explore your solar options? Turn to SpotDif for guidance towards your ideal solar solution.
Last updated on 21 Oct 2024 Last updated on 21 Oct 2024