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Grants & Schemes - SEAI Funding Available

The following information serves to explain the application process and requirements for three current schemes (as at Jan 2025) for SEAI grants for solar panel and EV car charger installations:

➤ Residential solar PV panel installation grant.

➤ Non-domestic solar PV panel installation grant.

➤ EV car charger installation grant. 

These grants are a great initiative to help homes improve their energy efficiency. Renewables Ireland is here every step of the way to offer professional assistance. Read on for more information.

Our Guide to the SEAI Residential PV Solar Grant Application

How much is the Residential SEAI Solar Panel grant worth?

  • €700 per kWp up to 2kWp
  • €1,400 for 2kWp solar panels
  • €200 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp
  • Total Solar PV grant capped at €1,800 (4KWp system & above)

Who can apply

All homeowners, including landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2021 can apply. This is taken from the date your electricity meter was installed.

Before you apply

It’s always worth doing your own background research into PV Solar system. Renewables Ireland can advise on any specific questions you may have.

1. How to apply

Once you have received & accepted Renewables Ireland detailed proposal / quotation, you can then start to apply for your grant

2. Apply to SEAI for grant offer

Apply for your grant here, you will need your MPRN number from your electricity bill & your Eircode. In the ‘Choose a Company’ section, search & select Higcon Construction T/A Renewables Ireland, fill in all other relevant information and then submit claim. You will receive an email confirming your approval promptly. Do not start works until you receive the grant offer. Grant offers are valid for eight months.

3. ESB Networks PV Solar connection application

Renewables Ireland will apply (using an NC6 form) to ESB Networks to connect the Solar PV system to the electricity network. This must do before installing the Solar PV system. This application process takes at least 4 weeks / 20 working days.

4. Install Solar PV panels

Renewables Ireland can then proceed to install your Solar PV system. Payment terms will be discussed & agree at the time of order being placed.

5. Get a BER post works

Renewables Ireland will arrange a post works BER on your behalf. The cost is included in the grant amount.

6. Contractor submits evidence of works to SEAI

Renewables Ireland will give you the documentation related to your installation. They will submit copies to SEAI electronically.

7. SEAI process the claim

Grant payments are normally paid out within 6 weeks, if the SEAI chose to inspect the installation, this period maybe longer

SEAI PV Solar Grant Applications for Commercial Non-domestic Installations

Overview of the Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG)

The NDMG program offers monetary assistance to businesses and other eligible entities to offset the expense of installing solar PV systems. These panels help lower electricity costs, fortify energy independence, and bolster an eco-conscious image. Grant awards are applicable for installations up to 1000kWp in size, enabling diverse sectors to participate in the green energy movement.

Solar PV modules, designed to convert sunlight into electricity, provide a litany of benefits:

  • Substantial Energy Savings: Cut back on monthly utility bills by producing your own electricity.
  • Sustainability Pledge: Showcase your commitment to reducing carbon footprints and advancing environmental goals.
  • Support for Climate Initiatives: Assist Ireland in achieving national climate targets.
  • Generous Grant Aid: Secure up to €162,600 in funding to finance your solar PV project.

Grant Funding Structure

The grant amount corresponds to the power capacity of the solar PV system installed, with incremental tiers. Systems exceeding 1000kWp are capped at a €162,600 grant, ensuring projects of all scales can benefit.

Grant Rates by System Size
1kWp: €900
2kWp: €1,800
3kWp: €2,100
4kWp: €2,400
5kWp – 6kWp: €2,400
7kWp – 20kWp: €300/kWp
21kWp – 200kWp: €200/kWp
201kWp – 1000kWp: €150/kWp
Example Installation: A 30kWp system with 75 panels spanning 125m² qualifies for a €8,600 grant.

Sample Grant Values by System Size
7kWp: €2,700
20kWp: €6,600
100kWp: €22,600
500kWp: €87,600
1000kWp: €162,600

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Grants are accessible to a wide range of applicants, including:

Commercial enterprises
Agricultural ventures
Public sector organizations
Educational institutions
Community centres
Non-profit entities

Application Guidance for the SEAI Solar PV Grant

1. Select a Registered SEAI Solar PV Installer such as Renewables Ireland.
Engage with a quality Commercial Solar PV installer and finalise a contract with your chosen installer before submitting a grant application.

2. Submit Your Grant Application to SEAI
Apply online through the SEAI portal. Await your ‘Letter of Offer’ before initiating any installation work. Offers are valid for eight months; ensure all timelines align with your project schedule. Pro Tip: Avoid delays by double-checking bank account details (BIC and IBAN).

3. Installer Submits Connection Request to ESB Networks.
Your installer must coordinate with ESB Networks to secure approval for grid connection. Allow a minimum of 20 working days for processing.

4. Proceed with Installation Upon Approval.
Once ESB Networks grants permission, the installation phase can commence.

5. Documentation Submission to SEAI
Ensure your installer promptly submits all required documentation to SEAI within 1-3 days post-installation.
SEAI can only process payments once they receive every necessary document.

6. Grant Payment Processing
Grant payouts are typically completed within 4 to 6 weeks from the submission of complete documentation. In cases where SEAI mandates inspections, additional time may be required.

Our Guide to the SEAI EV Car Charger Grant Application

About the scheme

Assists residents and homeowners to install an electric vehicle charge point on their property. The scheme provides a grant up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of a home charger. To receive payment, you must produce ownership evidence of an eligible new or second-hand electric vehicle (EV) but you can also apply and install your charger ahead of receiving the vehicle.

Eligibility criteria

Applicant

  • Any private owner who buys an eligible EV from 01/01/2018 is eligible to apply for this grant.
  • Employees with exclusive permission to use a Company Vehicle for at least 12 months from date of application.
  • The EV must be parked on an off-street parking location associated with the home and the EV car charger must be connected back to the home of the applicant
  • The Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which you can find on your electricity bill, will be used to confirm the location of your home.
  • The property can not be associated with a previous EV vehicle grant and charge point offer. For example, it can not have availed of the free ESB Ecars home charger pre 2018.
  • Do not commence any work before the start date on your Letter of Offer otherwise this expenditure will be deemed ineligible and you will not receive grant support for it.

Vehicle

  • Vehicles registered new or bought second hand from 01/01/2018 onwards are eligible for a home charger grant.
  • All Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are eligible. If your EV is not listed in the Apply Now section please send a copy of your log book to [email protected] for consideration.
  • Vehicles purchased new in Ireland, privately imported as new or second hand and registered in Ireland in 2018 or later and second hand vehicles purchased in Ireland are eligible.
  • The vehicle has to be registered to the applicant and to the address of the property where the home charger is being installed (unless this is a Company Vehicle application)
  • For Company Vehicle applications only M1 passenger cars will be eligible.

Qualifying criteria

Vehicles eligible for the Home Charger grant must be M1 Passenger Vehicles which are either Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) or Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). The vehicles may be new vehicles, second hand vehicles, imported vehicles or company owned or leased passenger vehicles. The full list of eligible vehicles is listed under the Apply Now section.

Apply now

No hassle, charge at home while you sleep!

Step by step process

  1. Complete our online Electric Vehicle Home Charger grant application form. You will need your Meter Point Reference Number (the full 11 digit number on the top of your electricity bill) and your home address Eircode. If you are buying a new EV here in Ireland and receiving an EV grant from SEAI, you will need to provide your application ID which will be available from your car dealer.
  2. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a Letter of Offer via email as well as the Terms and Condition and a payment request form link. Separately, you will also receive an email containing the Installation Details form that needs to be completed by Renewables Ireland – please make sure to forward this email to Renewables Ireland. Both emails will be sent from [email protected].
  3. From when you receive your Letter of Offer, you have 6 months to complete the installation of your charge point.
  4. The work can only be performed by a fully qualified electrician who is registered accordingly with Safe Electric Ireland.
  5. Once the installation is done Renewables Ireland will complete Installation Details form and you should complete the Payment Request Form.
  6. Renewables Ireland will provide you with a copy of the Certificate Number 3. Review this and ensure it is completed properly.
  7. Submit your Payment Request Form found in the Letter of Offer email with the following items:
    • Fully signed and completed Payment Request Form including bank account details
    • Copy of Certificate Number 3
    • Copy of Test Record sheet
    • Copy of invoices
    • Vehicle Registration Certificate
    • For Company Vehicle applications a company headed letter from the employer is required dated between the Application Approval date and Grant Expiry Date. Please use the following document as a template. Alternatively, we will accept a company stamped letter instead of company headed letter.
    • Photographs of the installed charge point and the EV showing vehicle registration plate.

On average processing of payment on the Home Charger Grant Scheme is approximately 6-8 weeks from the date documents are received into SEAI.