Solar Panel Grants in Ireland: 2026 Guide

How much is the solar panel grant in 2026?

SEAI's domestic Solar PV grant can contribute up to €1,800 towards an eligible installation in 2026. The amount depends on the system's kilowatt peak capacity:

• €700 per kWp for the first 2kWp
• €200 per additional kWp from above 2kWp to 4kWp
• Maximum grant of €1,800

SEAI's examples are €1,400 for 2kWp, €1,600 for 3kWp and €1,800 for 4kWp. You may install a system larger than 4kWp, but the grant does not increase beyond the maximum.

Who can apply?

SEAI lists homeowners, including private landlords, approved housing bodies and owners' management companies among the potential applicants. The property must have an electricity Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), must have been built and occupied before 2021, and must not previously have received Solar PV funding for that MPRN.

Eligibility depends on the scheme terms at the time of application. Confirm your property and applicant status directly with SEAI before paying a deposit or authorising work.

Apply before installation starts

The order is important. Choose an SEAI-registered Solar PV company, make the application and wait for grant approval before work begins. SEAI states that an application must be created and approval must be in place before proceeding with works.

Once approved, the current grant page allows eight months to complete the installation and submit the required evidence. If the company or system changes after approval, follow SEAI's process before continuing. Do not assume a change will be accepted automatically.

The grant process, step by step

1. Assess the home and compare quotes. Ask each company for system capacity, expected generation, total cost, warranties and exclusions.
2. Select a registered company. Check the business on SEAI's current Solar PV company list. SEAI registration is required for the grant, but it is not an approval, guarantee or warranty of the company or its work.
3. Apply and wait for approval. Do not allow installation to begin before approval.
4. Complete the installation. The company should arrange an SEAI-registered installer and submit the NC6 grid-connection notification to ESB Networks for a typical domestic microgeneration system.
5. Arrange the post-works BER. SEAI requires a post-works Building Energy Rating before grant drawdown.
6. Submit the evidence. The company supplies or uploads the Declaration of Works, inspection and commissioning certificate, Safe Electric certificate, NC6, invoice and photographs. The BER assessor publishes the BER.
7. Wait for SEAI review and payment. SEAI states that payment is made after the required forms are received, the BER is published and the submission is verified. An inspection may be required.

Costs the grant may not cover

The grant is a contribution, not a promise to cover a set percentage of the project. The final cost can include panels, inverter, mounting, scaffolding, electrical alterations, optional storage, a diverter and the post-works BER. Ask for a written total showing what is included and whether the installer has deducted the expected grant or expects you to claim it later.

See our 2026 solar panel cost guide for SEAI programme medians and a quote checklist.

VAT and export payments are separate

The zero VAT rate for a supply-and-install domestic solar contract is separate from the SEAI grant. Payment for surplus electricity exported to the grid is also separate. Your electricity supplier sets its export rate, and CRU requires suppliers to pay for metered export when the necessary connection and metering arrangements are in place.

Revenue's microgeneration tax exemption currently covers up to €400 of qualifying annual profit for each qualifying individual named on the electricity bill, and Finance Act 2025 extended the scheme to the end of 2028. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, so check Revenue guidance.

Before accepting a quote

Confirm the registered company name matches the contracting party, grant approval is in place before work, the system details match the approval, and the quotation explains payment timing if the grant is delayed or refused. Keep the contract, invoice, warranties, safety file and certificates.

If you are comparing proposals, read how to compare solar installers and quotes. For a broader introduction, visit the Solar Panels hub.