SEAI Solar Grant: How to Apply [2023]
By Morgan Pierce
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.