Seai Grant

How can I get a solar panel grant in Ireland ?

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today. It is affecting our planet and making life more difficult by causing more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ultimately, threatening our way of life. Solar panels are an increasingly popular option, as they offer a way to generate renewable energy for homes and businesses. Did you know you can reduce your current energy bills by up to 50% ? In Ireland, solar panel grants have been available for some time now to help incentivise homeowners to adopt sustainable energy practices. But how do these grants work? What are the benefits? And how can you apply? This guide offers a thorough overview of the solar panel grants process, making it easier for Irish homeowners to take advantage of this important opportunity to save money on their installation

How does the solar panel grant work?

The solar panel grant, also known as the Solar Electricity Grant, is a once-off grant is made available by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is specifically designed to incentive to install and use solar panels in homes and across Ireland. By taking advantage of this grant homes can enjoy considerable savings on energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone. SEAI grants are helping homeowners, business owners, communities drive down their energy spend and reduce greenhouse emissions

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What does the solar panel grant pay for?

The solar panel grant is a great opportunity for property owners who want to install PV solar panels. Not only will the grant cover the labour costs, but it also covers the cost of the materials needed for the installation process. Although it’s essential to note that the maximum amount covered by the grant is lower than the average price for PV solar panels around €4,000, it’s likely that property owners would have to invest some more money to get the best solar panels for their property.

It’s important to take into consideration that the solar panel grant doesn’t cover the cost of a solar panel battery if the property owner decides to install one. Also, it’s crucial to note that the grant won’t cover the cost of any potential solar panel repairs in the future.

In summary, the solar panel grant covers a substantial portion of the installation costs, but property owners may need to invest some additional funds to obtain the best solar panels. It’s also important to remember that the grant does not cover the cost for repairs to existing solar panels

Do I qualify for the solar electricity grant?

Firstly, you must be the owner of a property that was built and occupied before 2021. When installing the solar system, you will also need to use new materials and products that are not already covered under another grant scheme. In addition to this, you need to use a registered company from the SEAI’s registered list of companies and have the electrical works completed by a Safe Electric Ireland electrician.

To connect the system to the electricity distribution system, you should apply to ESB Networks using the ESB Networks NC6 form (which can be found in PDF format). Your registered installer should take care of this for you before they fit the system. You will also need to provide a Declaration of Works, signed by a registered installer on the SEAI Solar PV Approved Installer list.

Finally, after the work is completed, you must have a Building Energy Rating (BER) carried out, and make sure that you meet the requirements set out in the Solar PV Code of Practice. These requirements are in place to ensure that your solar system is both safe and effective, and that it meets all relevant regulations.

How can I apply for the solar grant?

If you are looking to get solar PV panels installed, it is important to follow the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Firstly, it is recommended to obtain quotes from SEAI registered solar PV companies and to agree on a formal contract with one of them. Once this is done, you can then apply for a grant offer from SEAI, ensuring that you wait until the grant offer is received before beginning any works.

It is important to note that the grant will only apply to the project details and amount stated in the grant offer. Before installation, your installer must apply to ESB Networks to connect the system to the electricity network and obtain permission. Once everything is in order, the system can be installed, and you must arrange for a post works BER assessment to be carried out before submitting evidence of the completed works to SEAI.

It is important to remember that the grant payment can only be processed once all documentation is complete and the post works BER results are published. Typically, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for payment to be processed, but this can increase if further inspections are required.

Schools solar grants scheme

Blackwell Energy are SEAI registered for non-domestic solar PV installations and offer nationwide installation to all schools approved under the Schools Photovoltaic Programme. The first phase of the Programme includes over 1,600 schools opened for applications on 30th November 2023. Schools selected in the first phase can apply for the grant scheme from 30^th November 2023 onwards.

The scheme will fully fund a solar installation up to 6 kWp which equates to 16 panels of roof-mounted solar PV, connection to the grid and a monitoring system and display screen. The Schools Photovoltaic Programme is a devolved programme based on programme guidance prepared by the Department of Education.

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