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Grants for Solar Panels in Ireland 2026 + Free Grant Calculator

The SEAI solar electricity grant pays homeowners up to €1,800 towards solar panels, on top of 0% VAT. Going Solar handles the full grant application for you, from eligibility check to paperwork, so you get the money without the admin.
The SEAI Solar Grant at a Glance
Up to €1,800

SEAI domestic solar electricity grant, 2026

Grant rate

€700 per kWp up to 2kWp, then €200 per kWp up to 4kWp.

Who qualifies

Homes built and occupied before 2021, fitted by an SEAI-registered installer.

VAT relief

0% VAT on domestic solar installation, applied automatically.

What Is the SEAI Solar Electricity Grant?

The SEAI Solar Electricity Grant is a government grant that helps Irish homeowners cover the cost of installing solar panels. It is run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and is worth up to €1,800, paid after your system is installed by an SEAI registered company.

The grant is part of Ireland’s push to cut home energy bills and emissions, and most owner-occupied homes built before 2021 qualify.

How Much Is the SEAI Solar Grant in 2026?

The SEAI solar grant is worth up to €1,800 in 2026. You get €700 per kWp up to 2kWp, then €200 per kWp up to 4kWp. The bigger your system, up to that 4kWp cap, the larger your grant.

System Size 2026 Grant Value Solar Panel Array
1 kWp €700 ~12m2
6-8 panels
2 kWp €1,400 ~14m2
7-10 panels
3 kWp €1,600 ~17m2
8-12 panels
4 kWp or more €1,800 (maximum) ~19m2
9-13 panels

Also, if you are adding anything extra such as battery storage systems or immersion diverters, this won’t affect your grant value. These can be added to your setup if you wish, but they aren’t included in the SEAI grant amount.

Try Our Free Solar Grant Calculator

Not sure how much you could get? Enter your system size and our free solar grant calculator shows your 2026 SEAI grant in seconds, so you know the figure before you request a quote.
Choose your grant type:
Typical domestic systems are 6–16 panels (varies by roof space).
Example: 440Wp per panel is common.
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Estimated based on SEAI rules
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Your grant type:

SEAI Solar Electricity Grant

The SEAI solar electricity grant helps homeowners and private landlords cut the cost of installing solar panels. It’s available for houses that were built and lived in before 31 December 2020 based on when the electricity meter was first connected. The grant can go up to €1,800 in 2026 which applies to systems of 4 kWp or larger. It’s a simple way for households across Ireland to make solar energy that is relatively more affordable.

What the Solar Grant Covers

The SEAI grant is based on the solar PV system that generates your electricity. It covers the panels, the inverter and the installation by an SEAI-registered company. It does not separately fund batteries or hot water diverters, though 0% VAT still applies to the full installation.
Covered by the Grant
Not Covered by the Grant
You still pay 0% VAT on a full domestic installation, including batteries or a diverter fitted at the same time.

Am I Eligible for the Solar Grant?

Most owner-occupied Irish homes built before 2021 qualify for the SEAI solar grant. You need to meet all of the criteria below and use an SEAI registered installer like Going Solar.

What Size Solar System Is Right for My Home?

The right solar system size for Irish homes depends on how much electricity you use, your roof space and your budget. Most homes suit a 3 to 5kWp system. Going Solar sizes every system to your home and usage, so you are not paying for panels you will not use.
Can I Get a Solar System Larger Than 4kWp?

Yes. The grant is capped at 4kWp, so €1,800 is the most you can claim, but there is nothing stopping you installing a larger system. Many homeowners size up for higher usage, a battery, an EV charger or a future heat pump, and still claim the full grant.

Does the Grant Only Cover Roof-Mounted Panels?

The grant covers your home solar PV system, and most installations are roof-mounted because it is the simplest and cheapest option. Ground or wall-mounted arrays can also generate power, but the planning rules differ, so it is worth checking before you commit.

Do I Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels in Ireland?

Most homeowners do not need planning permission. Ireland exempted rooftop solar on houses from planning in 2022, which means you can go ahead and claim the grant. There are limited exceptions, which we cover below.
Do I need planning permission to get grant approval?

No. The SEAI grant does not require planning permission for a standard rooftop installation. As long as your home qualifies, you can go straight to installation and claim the grant with no planning application needed.

What are the planning permission rules for home solar panels?

Since 2022, rooftop solar on houses is exempt from planning permission, in most cases with no cap on roof area. The main exceptions are protected structures, homes in an architectural conservation area, and properties near an airport or aerodrome, where limits or permission may still apply. Check with your local authority if you are unsure.

How to Apply for the Solar Grant, Step by Step

The grant is applied for before your system is installed, and as an SEAI-registered installer, Going Solar handles the paperwork for you. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
01

Get a quote from an SEAI-registered installer

Choose an SEAI-registered company like Going Solar and agree your system.

02

Apply to SEAI for grant approval

The application goes in before any work starts. We handle this step for you.

03

Have your system installed

Once approved, your panels are fitted, often in a single day.

04

Complete a post-works BER

A BER assessment is carried out after installation, as the grant requires.

05

Submit the paperwork and get paid

The final documents go to SEAI, who pay the grant into your account. We manage the submission.

Solar Grants for Businesses and Farms

This page covers the home grant. If you run a business or a farm, separate grants apply with much higher limits. Here is where to find them.

Commercial Solar Grant
Up to €162,600

Non-domestic buildings can claim towards a solar PV system under the SEAI non-domestic scheme.

TAMS 3 Solar Grant for Farmers
60% of costs, up to ~€54,000
Farmers can claim back a large share of eligible solar costs under the TAMS 3 scheme.

We Handle Your Grant Paperwork, Start to Finish

Most installers leave the SEAI application to you. Going Solar manages the whole thing, from eligibility check to final submission, so you get the grant without the forms, the deadlines or the back-and-forth.
Full grant handling

We complete your SEAI application, manage the deadlines and submit the paperwork, so the grant lands in your account with no admin on your side.

8,000+ installs across Ireland

With over 8,000 homes fitted, we have handled the grant process thousands of times and know exactly what SEAI looks for.

SEAI-registered and ISO 9001

As an SEAI-registered, ISO 9001-certified installer, our work meets the standards the grant requires, which keeps approval straightforward.

Rated by hundreds of homeowners

A 5-star Trustpilot rating and hundreds of Google reviews, with homeowners citing clean work and full grant support.

Get Free Solar Quotes Today

Find a local recommended solar panel installer in your area, and get your free quote today. It’s 100% cost and commitment free.

Joe Brennan

Founder @ Going Solar

Joe Brennan, the founder of Going Solar, is dedicated to making solar power mainstream in Ireland and meet SEAI objectives. With a focus on affordability and sustainability, he is bringing renewable energy solutions to homes, reducing costs & environmental impact.

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FAQ

Common Questions About the Solar Grant

Is there a government grant for solar panels in Ireland?

Yes. The SEAI Solar Electricity Grant is a government-funded grant worth up to €1,800 for homeowners installing solar panels. It is run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and paid after your system is installed by an SEAI-registered company.

Can I get the grant if I already have solar panels?

The grant is a one-time payment per property. If it has already been claimed for your home, by you or a previous owner, you cannot claim again. If your address has never received an SEAI solar PV grant, you can still apply.

Do I get the grant money before or after installation?

After. You get grant approval before the work starts, but SEAI pays the grant once your system is installed, your paperwork is submitted and a post-works BER is done. Payment typically lands within a few weeks of the final documents going in.

Do I apply for the grant myself, or does the installer?

Either can apply, but with Going Solar we handle the full SEAI application for you, from grant approval before installation to the final submission afterwards. You get the grant paid into your account without managing the forms or deadlines.

Can landlords claim the SEAI solar grant?

Yes. Landlords can apply for the grant on properties they own, as long as the home was built and occupied before 2021 and meets the other conditions. It remains one payment per eligible property.

Can I claim the grant if I install the panels myself?

No. To qualify, the system must be installed by an SEAI-registered company using a Safe Electric registered electrician. DIY or unregistered installations are not eligible, which is why homeowners use a registered installer.

Is the SEAI solar grant taxable?

The grant itself is not treated as taxable income. Separately, money you earn from exporting excess electricity to the grid has its own tax-free allowance. Rules can change, so confirm the current position with Revenue or your installer.

Is the solar grant being reduced or ending?

The grant still pays up to €1,800 in 2026, but the maximum has fallen in recent years, from €2,400 in 2023. There is no confirmed end date, but rates can be reviewed, so it makes sense to apply while the current amount stands.

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