Solar PV Grant Ireland — Up to €1,800 from SEAI
The SEAI solar PV grant gives Irish homeowners up to €1,800 toward solar electricity panels — and a separate €1,200 grant is available for solar water heating (thermal). This guide covers both, the microgeneration export income available, and the correct application process.
Check If My Home QualifiesSolar PV Grant — How Much?
€900
1 kWp system
Suitable for small homes / low usage
€1,800
2 kWp system
Maximum grant — most common system
€1,800
3–6 kWp system
Grant capped at €1,800 regardless of size
Solar PV Grant: up to €1,800 maximum. Home must be built and occupied before 2021; no previous Solar PV grant at this MPRN. Exact amount depends on system size — verify at SEAI.ie.
Solar Water Heating Grant — €1,200
Separate from solar PV, SEAI also offers a flat-rate €1,200 grant toward a solar thermal (solar water heating) system — roof-mounted collectors that provide 50–60% of your annual hot water needs.
Flat rate of €1,200
Same amount regardless of property type — no variation by dwelling.
Home built before 2021
Must be built and occupied before 2021.
Post-works BER required
A post-installation BER assessment (€50 grant available) is required before grant payment.
Planning limit: 12m² or 50% of roof space
Installations exceeding these limits require planning permission.
8 months to drawdown
Once grant offer is issued, you have 8 months to complete installation and claim.
Microgeneration — Export Income
Beyond the grant, solar PV owners can earn ongoing income by exporting unused electricity to the grid.
Clean Export Guarantee (CEG)
Under the CEG, your electricity supplier must pay you for 100% of the electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary by supplier — typically 10–25 cent/kWh. You must register with your supplier and have a smart meter (installed by ESB Networks) to receive payments.
Export rates change frequently — check your supplier's current CEG rate before making financial projections.
Who Qualifies for the Solar PV Grant?
Home built and occupied before 2021
Homes built in 2021 or later are not eligible for the solar PV grant.
No prior solar PV grant
If you or a previous owner has already claimed this grant at the property, you cannot claim again.
No prior One Stop Shop grant
Cannot be combined with a previous One Stop Shop grant at the same property.
SEAI-registered solar installer
Must use an SEAI-registered solar PV installer. Verify at seai.ie/contractor-register.
Apply before installation begins
Grant approval must be received in writing before any installation work starts.
Do not start installation before receiving written SEAI approval.
Typical Costs vs Grant
| System | Typical cost | SEAI grant | Net cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kWp | €3,500–€5,500 | €1,800 | €1,700–€3,700 |
| 4 kWp | €5,000–€8,000 | €1,800 | €3,200–€6,200 |
| Solar thermal | €2,500–€5,000 | €1,200 | €1,300–€3,800 |
Costs vary by system size, roof type, and installer. Always get 3 quotes.
Apply at SEAI.ie
All applications through the official SEAI portal.
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