What Solar Grants are Available in Ireland?
By Morgan Pierce
Updated January 18, 2024
In the past few years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of renewable energy sources as we work towards a sustainable future In response, the Irish government has actively promoted the adoption of solar panels. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) are two organisations that offer grants to homeowners, farmers, schools, businesses and community centres, among others, who are interested in installing solar panels. This article provides an overview of the various solar grants available through SEAI and TAMS in Ireland.
SEAI Solar Grants
The SEAI provides grants to both homeowners and non-domestic groups who want to install solar PV panels. The grant covers the cost of labour and materials. The amount depends on the size of the system, based on the kilowatt peak (kWp) installed.
Homeowners can apply for the Solar Electricity Grant. The rate is €800 per kWp, up to 2 kWp and €250 for each additional kWp until 4 kWp. The maximum grant is €2,100. If the cost is less than the maximum, you will receive a grant for the total cost of the installation.
For example, you will get:
- €1,725 for 2.5 kWp
- €1,850 for 3 kWp
- €2,100 for 4 kWp or larger
Businesses, schools, farms, non-profits, and other organisations can apply for the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG). Funding is available for systems from 1 kWp to a maximum of 1,000 kWp. The calculation of the grant amount can be confusing, so please refer to the examples bullet-pointed below for clarification.
The rate is €900 per kWp, up to 2 kWp, and an additional €300 for a 3 kWp system, and a further €300 for systems between 4 and 6 kWp. For systems between 7 and 20 kWp, you get an additional €300 per kWp. Then, it’s an additional €200 per kWp for 21 to 200 kWp. Lastly, for systems from 201 to 1,000 kWp, you get an additional €150 per kWp. Thus, the maximum grant available is €162,600.
For example, you will get:
- €1,800 for 2 kWp
- €2,100 for 3 kWp
- €2,400 for 4 kWp
- €2,400 for 6 kWp
- €5,100 for 15 kWp
- €22,600 for 100 kWp
- €72,600 for 400 kWp
TAMS Solar PV Grants
TAMS is a scheme run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) that provides financial support to farmers who want to improve the infrastructure and facilities on their farms. One of the areas that TAMS supports is the installation of renewable energy systems, including solar PV systems, known as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.
Under TAMS, farmers can receive a grant of up to 60% of the cost of the PV system, with a minimum grant of €2,000 and a maximum of €90,000. The costs include the PV panels, inverters, wiring, and installation costs. The maximum grant is also €90,000 for farmers who apply under a registered farm partnership.
These solar grants can make solar panels considerably more affordable by offsetting the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, it is important to note that they have specific eligibility criteria, especially for farmers who are interested in applying for the TAMS grant. What’s more, individuals and organisations can only apply once for the above grants.
Investing in solar PV systems can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar PV system, it is worth exploring the different grant options available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.