Who can apply:-

All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2021 can apply. This is defined as the date your electricity meter was installed. This is different to other grant measures where the home must be built before 2011.

Before you apply:-

Before you invest in Solar PV you must familiarise yourself with the contents of the Solar PV Scheme Application Guide which includes the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. It can be found at the bottom of this page. It’s worth doing some research on solar PV technology and the registered solar PV companies on the scheme. See if your home is ready for renewables, what you can expect to pay and estimate your payback.

How to apply:-

1. Find and appoint a registered SEAI solar PV company

Get quotes from a couple of registered companies. Choose a company and agree a formal contract with them to get the works done.

2. Apply to SEAI for grant offer

Apply for your grant and wait for your grant offer before you start the works. Do not start works until you receive the grant offer. Grant offers are valid for eight months. Please note the grant, once approved, is only payable in respect of the measure, size of installation and grant amount referenced in the Grant Offer. Should you wish to increase the size of your array, you will need to contact the Solar PV Team in advance of works commencing, including up to the day of the install, but before works start

Top Tip – incorrect bank details can delay your grant payment. When entering the BIC and IBAN make sure the details are correct.

3. Installer applies to ESB Networks

Your installer must apply to ESB Networks to connect the solar PV system to the electricity network. They must do this before installing the Solar PV system. This application process takes at least 4 weeks / 20 working days.

4. Install solar PV panels

Your solar PV system can now be installed. You either pay the Solar PV Company or make a payment agreement.

5. Arrange a post works BER

Before your grant can be processed you must get a post works BER carried out. You must engage a BER assessor to do this.

Top Tip – many homeowners forget this step and end up waiting longer for their grant payment. Try to get your BER arranged immediately after your solar PV has been installed. This will speed up your grant payment.

6. Company submits evidence of works to SEAI

Your solar PV company will give you the documentation related to your installation. They will submit copies to SEAI electronically.

Top Tip – SEAI can only process grant payment once your solar PV company has uploaded ALL of the required documentation. Try to get your solar PV company to upload ALL documentation ASAP after the installation, ideally within 1-3 days of completion.

7. SEAI process the claim

Applications for payment can only be processed once ALL documentation has been uploaded and the post works BER is complete and published by your BER assessor. From this point onwards, please allow between 4 to 6 weeks for payment, with additional time if an inspection is required.

Commercial and Agriculture

ACA and Triple E

The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) is a tax incentive scheme that promotes investment in energy efficient products & equipment. The ACA is based on the long-standing ‘Wear and Tear Allowance’ for investment in capital plant and machinery, whereby capital depreciation can be compensated through a reduction in an organisation’s tax liability.

The ACA scheme allows a sole trader, farmer or company that pays corporation tax or income tax on trading or professional income in Ireland to deduct the full cost of the equipment from their profits in the year of purchase. As a result, the business’s taxable profits are reduced by the value of qualifying capital expenditure. By contrast, the Wear and Tear Allowance provides for the same tax reduction, but this is spread evenly over an eight-year period.