Who is eligible for the solar panel grant in Ireland?

Homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before December 31, 2020, and who haven't received previous funding for Solar PV at their MPRN are eligible for the solar panel grant.

What types of solar panels are supported by the grant?

The grant generally supports photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. Thermodynamic and solar thermal panels are available in Ireland but are not covered by the grant.

How much can I receive from the solar panel grant?

The grant amount varies; for example, you can receive €800 per kWp up to 2 kWp, with the total grant capped at €2100 for installations up to 4 kWp.

What do I need to do before applying for the grant?

You need to ensure your home is eligible, choose a registered SEAI solar PV company, and understand the requirements and benefits of installing solar PV panels.

Do I need planning permission to install solar panels with the grant?

No, you do not need planning permission to qualify for the solar panel grant, as SEAI does not check for planning permission during the grant assessment process.

Can I apply for multiple solar panel grants for different properties?

Yes, if you own more than one house, you can apply for a solar panel grant for each property, including holiday homes and rental properties.

Who is Eligible for Solar Panel Grants in Ireland?

Are you looking for a way to reduce your electricity bills, lower your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your home? If yes, then you might be interested in installing solar panels on your roof or ground. Solar panels can generate clean and renewable energy from the sun, which can power your appliances, heating, and lighting.

But how much does it cost to install solar panels in Ireland? And more importantly, can you get any financial support from the government to help you with the upfront cost?

This blog will explain who is eligible for solar panel grants in Ireland and how much you can save and earn by going solar. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of whether solar panels are a good investment for you and how to apply for the grant. So, let’s get started!

What is the Solar PV Grant in Ireland?

The Solar PV Grant is a scheme launched by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in 2018 to encourage homeowners to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their properties. Solar PV systems are composed of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity and inverters that convert the direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used in your home or exported to the grid.

The Solar PV Grant offers a cash incentive to homeowners who install solar PV systems of up to 4 kilowatts peak (kWp) capacity. The grant amount depends on the size and type of the system, as shown in the table below:

The grant is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. However, the grant is subject to income tax, so you will need to declare it in your annual tax return.

Who is Eligible for the Solar PV Grant in Ireland?

The Solar PV Grant is available to all homeowners in Ireland, including private landlords, who meet the following criteria:

The home was built and occupied before December 31, 2020.
The home has a Building Energy Rating (BER) of C or better, or will have one after the installation of the solar PV system.
The home has not received any previous funding for solar PV at the same Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which is the unique identifier of your electricity connection.
The solar PV system is installed by an SEAI-registered contractor, who will also provide a warranty and a maintenance plan for the system.
The solar PV system meets the technical specifications and standards set by the SEAI, such as the size, orientation, shading, and safety of the system.
The solar PV system is connected to the grid and has a smart meter installed, which will allow you to measure and export the excess electricity that you generate.

If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the Solar PV Grant online through the SEAI website. You will need to provide some details about your home, your solar PV system, and your contractor. You will also need to upload some documents, such as your BER certificate, your MPRN, and your contractor’s quotation.

You will receive an approval letter from the SEAI, which will confirm your grant amount and validity period. You will then have eight months to complete the installation and claim the grant.

How Much Can You Save and Earn by Installing Solar Panels in Ireland?

Installing solar panels in Ireland can help you save money on your electricity bills, earn money from exporting your excess electricity to the grid, and reduce your carbon emissions. The exact amount of savings and earnings will depend on several factors, such as the size and performance of your solar PV system, the amount and timing of your electricity consumption, the electricity tariff that you pay, and the export tariff that you receive.

To give you an idea, let’s assume that you install a 4kWp solar PV system with a battery storage system on your roof in Dublin. According to the SEAI, such a system can generate about 3,400 kWh of electricity per year, of which about 2,000 kWh can be used in your home, and about 1,400 kWh can be exported to the grid.

Assuming that you pay 20 cents per kWh for your electricity and receive 10 cents per kWh for your exported electricity, you can save and earn about €740 per year. This means that you can recover the cost of your system in about 10–12 years, assuming that you receive the maximum grant amount of €2,100.

Why Choose Going Solar as Your Solar Panel Installation Company in Ireland?

If you are interested in installing solar panels in Ireland, you will need to find a reliable and experienced solar panel installation company that can provide you with quality service and products. Going Solar is one of the leading solar panel installation companies in Ireland, with over 10 years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Going Solar as your solar panel installation company in Ireland:

We are SEAI-registered and fully insured, which means that you can apply for the Solar PV Grant with confidence and peace of mind.
We offer a free site survey and consultation, where we will assess your roof or ground, your electricity usage, and your budget and recommend the best solar PV system for your needs and preferences.
We use only high-quality solar panels and inverters from reputable brands, which come with long warranties and high efficiency ratings.
We install your solar PV system with care and professionalism, following the best practices and standards in the industry. We also provide a comprehensive after-sales service, including a maintenance plan, a monitoring system, and a customer support team.
We help you with the paperwork and the grant application process, ensuring that you get the maximum grant amount and the minimum hassle.

Conclusion

Installing solar panels in Ireland is a smart and sustainable way to save money, earn money, and reduce your environmental impact. With the Solar PV Grant, you can get significant financial support from the government to help you with the upfront cost of your solar PV system. However, the grant is not available forever, and you need to act fast before it runs out.

Don’t miss this opportunity to go solar in Ireland and enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable energy. Call us now or fill out the form below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.