SEAI Solar Grant: How to Apply [2023]

Updated March 1, 2023

Want to reduce your electricity bills, but not sure where to start? The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a national scheme for providing domestic and small commercial solar energy grants to encourage citizens to transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. We’ve highlighted some helpful information on the SEAI solar grant application process.

Support for domestic installations:

Level 1: 0-2 kWp Solar PV Systems – €900 per kWp installed
Level 2: 2-4 kWp Solar PV systems – €300 per kWp installed
Maximum grant total ceiling per home: €2,400

SEAI grant eligibility:

Home was built before 31 December 2020
Your solar energy company must be an SEAI Registered Company and Installer
Residential properties do not need planning permission unless your home is a protected structure, in which case, we suggest contacting your local authority for guidance

Restrictions:

Inverter size must be a maximum 6 kilowatts

What you need before you apply:

MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) – The 11-digit number that appears on your electricity bill
Your bank account’s IBAN number
Details of the solar system to be installed

Grant approval (2 Phases):

Phase 1: Create an account on the SEAI portal and declare the total size of panels needed for your home. SEAI earmarks the estimated funds for that home’s solar energy installation. Your Solar PV Scheme Registered Company and Installer also receives email of your declared information
Phase 2: You’ll then have an 8-month window to get the work completed which means your grant paperwork must be uploaded onto the SEAI portal before the 8 months are up
Your application takes around 4-6 weeks for SEAI approval
Applicants are required to have received a grant offer from SEAI before proceeding with any works

Requirements After Job Completion:

Your solar energy provider should process all of your grant paperwork for you, but not all installers are alike. In the event you are submitting your own grant application, the following documentation is needed and should be provided by your installer:

Declaration of Works form signed by your selected Solar PV Scheme Registered Company and Installer
Test and Commissioning Certificate
Safe Electric (RECI) copy of Certificate 3
Completed ESB Networks NC6 Form
Completion of approved post-works BER of the property
Invoice describing works completed
Photographs of the installation as described in the Declaration of Works Form

Important Tips:

On your online application, provide a bank that accepts electronic funds transfer (EFT) – currently, SEAI cannot process payments to Credit Union accounts
Advise your home insurance company before any works
Solar installation inspections may be carried out by SEAI and refusal to do so within 14 days of request may cause a refusal for repayment of the grant

Make it hassle-free with SolarSmart

If you choose SolarSmart as your Solar PV Scheme Registered Company and Installer, all you have to do is create an account on the SEAI portal and we’ll take care of the rest.