SEAI Solar Grant 2026 — Everything You Need to Know

How Much Is the SEAI Solar Grant?

The SEAI solar PV grant provides up to €1,800 towards the cost of installing solar panels on your home. The grant is calculated based on the size of the system you install:

• €700 per kWp for the first 2 kWp of capacity
• €200 per kWp for each additional kWp thereafter

For example, a typical 4 kWp system (around 10 panels) would receive €1,400 in grant support — €700 x 2 for the first 2 kWp, plus €200 x 2 for the remaining 2 kWp. A larger 6 kWp system would reach the maximum grant of €1,800.

Who Is Eligible for the Solar Grant?

To qualify for the SEAI solar PV grant, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your home must be owner-occupied (not rented out)
• The property must have been built before 2011 for most SEAI grant categories
• You must use an SEAI-registered installer to carry out the work
• The solar PV system must be new — second-hand panels are not eligible
• You must have received a BER assessment after the work is completed

There is no income test or means test. The grant is available to all eligible homeowners regardless of income.

0% VAT on Solar Panels

Since 2023, solar panels for residential properties benefit from a 0% VAT rate in Ireland. This applies to both the panels and the installation labour. Combined with the SEAI grant, this makes solar panels significantly more affordable than they were just a few years ago.

The Clean Export Guarantee

If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can sell the surplus back to the grid through the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). All electricity suppliers are required to offer a CEG tariff. Rates vary between suppliers but typically range from 18c to 24c per kWh exported. This means your panels can earn money for you even when you are not at home during the day.

Typical System Sizes and Costs

Most Irish homes install between 3 kWp and 6 kWp of solar PV. Here is what you can expect:

• 3 kWp (8 panels): Costs around €5,000–€6,500 before the grant. Suits smaller households or those with lower electricity usage.
• 4 kWp (10 panels): Costs around €6,500–€8,000 before the grant. The most popular size for average 3-bed homes.
• 6 kWp (15 panels): Costs around €8,500–€11,000 before the grant. Ideal for larger homes, heat pumps, or EV owners.

After the SEAI grant and with 0% VAT, a 4 kWp system typically costs homeowners around €5,000–€6,500 out of pocket.

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward:

• Get quotes from SEAI-registered solar installers (we recommend at least 3)
• Choose your installer and confirm the system specification
• Your installer applies for the grant through the SEAI portal on your behalf
• Once approved, the work is carried out
• A post-works BER assessment is completed
• The grant is paid directly to you after everything is verified

The whole process from application to payment typically takes 6–12 weeks. Do not start work before the grant application is approved — this is a common mistake that can result in losing the grant.