SEAI Solar Grant 2026: Everything You Need to Know

What is the SEAI solar PV grant?

The SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) offers a grant of up to €1,800 for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for homes. This grant is available through the Better Energy Homes scheme and is open to any homeowner regardless of when their home was built. The grant covers systems up to 4 kWp in size, which is sufficient for most Irish homes.

0% VAT on solar panels

Since May 2023, solar panels have been zero-rated for VAT in Ireland. This means you pay no VAT on the supply and installation of solar PV systems. On a typical home installation costing €8,000–€12,000, this saves between €900 and €1,400 — on top of the SEAI grant. The 0% VAT applies regardless of the grant and is automatic: your installer should not be charging VAT on a standard home solar installation.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the SEAI solar grant you must:

• Own and occupy the property as your primary home
• Have a home built before 2021 (homes built after 2021 to higher standards may not qualify)
• Not have previously claimed a solar grant for the same property
• Use an SEAI-registered contractor to carry out the work
• Apply for grant approval before work begins — not after

How to apply

Applications are made through the SEAI Better Energy Homes online system at seai.ie. You apply before work starts, receive approval, have the work done by a registered contractor, and then claim payment. The whole process typically takes 4–8 weeks from application to payment. Your contractor can often handle the paperwork on your behalf.