Solar Electricity Grants (2024)

This grant will help you install Solar Photovoltaic panels in your home to generate renewable electricity. Learn about the grant values and how to apply.

About the grant

The Solar PV Scheme which operates under the Microgeneration Support Scheme, is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment through SEAI. All applications are subject to the following conditions:

Once the Applicant has received Grant approval, they will have 8 months to complete the works and submit the declaration of works. It’s extremely important these timelines are adhered to ensure your grant payment. After 8 months the grant will expire and will be declined.

Who is eligible

  • All homeowners, including private landlords
  • Homes built and occupied before 31st December 2020
  • No previous funding for Solar PV at this MPRN

Before you apply

  • Read the Solar PV Scheme Application Guide
  • Read the Solar PV Terms and Conditions
  • Speak with a registered Company
  • Arrange a BER assessor
  • See if your home is ready for renewables, what you can expect to pay and estimate your payback

Find a registered Solar PV company Calculate the payback

Grant value for solar electricity

* the grant is paid on a pro rata basis e.g. for a 2.5kWp system the grant value would be €1,725

Grant nameValueExample

Solar PV grant

€800 per kWp up to 2kWp

€1600 for 2kWp solar panels

€250 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp

Total Solar PV grant capped at €2100

€1850 for 3kWp solar panels

€2100 for 4kWp solar panels

SEAI has three energy upgrade options

Whether you want to improve one area or completely upgrade your home, we have grant options available.

A complete home energy upgradeMultiple upgrades achieving a minimum BER B2Managed by a One Stop ShopGrant deducted from cost of works upfrontOne Stop Shops
Individual energy upgradesUpgrade your home step-by-step with seperate grantsManage your own projectChoose contractors from the SEAI registerIndividual grants
Fully funded energy upgradesFor homeowners receiving eligible welfare paymentsFor homes built and occupied before 2006Works recommended by an SEAI surveyorFunded upgrades

How to apply

  • We advise you to shop around and get 4 different quotes from different registered companies.
  • Research the Company you have selected and look for references from them.
  • Check that the Company is on the SEAI register.
  • Make sure you have a contract in place.
  • SEAI does not approve, guarantee, or warranty a company or their works.

  • Apply for your grant and wait for your grant offer before you start the works. Do not start works until you receive the grant offer.
  • Check the company carrying out your installation is the company referenced in your Letter of Offer. If you need to change the company, you will need to contact the helpdesk to cancel your existing application and reapply with the correct company. This can only be done if the works have not started.
  • For OMC (Owner Management Company) properties, applications can only be created by the OMC unit or the associated PMA (Property Management Agency), with written authorisation from the OMC. You will need to contact our SPV team on solarpv@seai.ie or 018082004 before creating an application to retrieve the forms required to apply.
  • See below top tipsfor a smooth grant application process.

  • Your installer must apply to ESB Networks to connect the solar PV system to the electricity network.
  • This must be done before installing the Solar PV system.
  • This application process takes at least 4 weeks / 20 working days.

  • Your solar PV system can now be installed.

  • Before your grant can be processed you must get a post works BER carried out
  • Arrange this once you receive your install date from your SPV company
  • You must engage a BER assessor to do this https://ndber.seai.ie/PASS/Assessors/Search.asp

(Many homeowners forget this step and end up waiting longer for their grant payment. Try to get your BER arranged immediately after your solar PV has been installed. This will speed up your grant payment).

  • Once you have engaged a BER assessor, advise them of all upgrade works carried out on your home. The more information you can provide at the early stages ahead of the survey, the better.

  • Letter of Engagement - BER assessors should provide a contract or letter of engagement for you to sign prior to commencement of the BER assessment work. This should contain a description of the proposed services, a quotation of the proposed costs (including VAT and expenses) and the disclosure of all relevant business interests. This is a mandatory part of the BER assessor process and provides clarity of expectations on both sides – see an example.

  • Homeowner Checklist - Before a BER assessor carries out an assessment on your home, it’s a good idea to review this handy checklist with tips to ensure that you they are prepared for your assessor. It can save time and ensures that you know what to expect and are prepared with the relevant documentation to get the best rating possible

  • See lots more information on getting a BER assessment. We recommend you familiarise yourself with this information to ensure that you are prepared and informed for this part of the process.

  • Your solar PV company will give you the documentation related to your installation.
  • Try to get them to upload documents as soon as possible.
  • They will submit copies to SEAI electronically.

  • Applications for payment can only be processed once ALL documentation has been uploaded.
  • The post works BER is complete and published by your BER assessor.
  • From this point onwards, please allow between 4 to 6 weeks for payment, with additional time if an inspection is required.

Top tips

These tips will help you create a successful Solar PV grant application and outline the actions you need to take to ensure a smooth grant process from start to finish.

  • The grant, once approved, is only payable in respect of the measure, size of installation and grant amount referenced in the Grant Offer. Should you wish to increase the size of your array, you will need to contact the Solar PV Team in advance of works commencing, including up to the day of the install, but before works start.
  • The Grant offer once accepted is only payable in respect of the measure(s) contained in the application and referenced in the grant offer. Any scope changes in terms of the size, type of installation and/or selected company, must receive prior approval from SEAI. Scope changes not notified and approved by SEAI will not be eligible for payment.

  • Applicants are eligible for the grant amounts that are in effect at the time of application i.e. if you cancel an application and then recreate a new application, and the grant amounts have changed in the meantime, you will be eligible for the grant amount in effect at the time of creating the new application and not those that were in effect at the time of the original application..

  • A change of company will require cancellation of your application and the creation of a new one, nominating the new company. Where the grant amounts have changed in the meantime, you will be eligible for the grant amount in effect at the time of creating the new application

  • Get your BER arranged immediately after your solar PV has been installed. This will speed up your grant payment. Ensure BER assessor publishes it as soon as completed.

  • Check the company carrying out the installation is the company referenced in your approval letter/email. If you need to change the company, you will need to contact the helpdesk to cancel your existing application and reapply with the correct company. This can only be done if the works have not started.

  • Ensure your company uploads ALL the required documentation after installation, ideally within 1-3 days.

  • Check the bank account details that are entered in the portal are correct. Bank details must be your account (the applicant) or the Solar PV company’s account. You can log into your portal to check these details.

  • Retain all invoices, receipts and documents of completion of works for presentation to SEAI personnel should your home be chosen for QA inspection at some date in the future. These may also be required for your BER assessment.

  • Once inspections reworks are complete, payment will be processed 2 weeks after.

  • For any technical advice or queries, please contact our technical team, you can contact them on 012776977 orsolarpv@seaiauditing.ie

Apply now

Solar PV Supports

  • Solar PV Scheme Application Guide For Homeowners
  • SPV Company Declaration of Insurance
  • SPV Installer Declaration of Insurance
  • SPV Code of Practice
  • Solar PV Grant Declaration of Works Form
  • Solar PV Grant Inspection and Testing Report
  • Solar PV Grant Completion Checklist
  • Solar PV QADP - Quality Assurance and Development Programme for Solar PV Registered Companies and Registered Installers
  • Shared Homeowner Template

  • Homeowners Guide to Solar PV
  • ​​​​Privacy-Notice-Microgeneration-Support-Scheme.pdf

  • SPV Contractor Technical Bulletin 2024-04-001
  • SPV Contractor Technical Bulletin 2023 12
  • SPV Contractor Technical Bulletin 2023 11
  • SPV Contractor Technical Bulletin 2023 04
  • SPV-Contractor-Technical-Bulletin_2023_01
  • SPV-Contractor-Technical-Bulletin_2022_08
  • SPV-Contractor-Technical-Bulletin_2021_09
  • SPV-Contractor-Technical-Bulletin_2021_04

Contact us

Call: 01808 2004
Email: solarpv@seai.ie

On this page
  • Who is eligible
  • Grant value
  • How to apply
  • Solar PV supports

List of registered Solar PV Companies

Solar Electricity Grants (2024)

FAQs

Does New Jersey offer solar incentives? ›

Two of its top incentives are the federal solar credit and its state net metering policy. The federal credit helps reduce initial solar installation costs, and net metering offers additional long-term savings on energy bills. For a standard 10 Kw solar system, solar incentives in New Jersey can save you over 8,000$.

What is the New Jersey assistance with solar panels? ›

New Jersey Clean Energy Program: Provides financial incentives (rebates of 30% - 70% of system costs) to owners who install qualifying clean energy generation systems such as fuel cells, photovoltaics (solar electricity), small wind and sustainable biomass equipment.

What is the solar Act in New Jersey? ›

On July 9, 2021, Governor Murphy signed the Solar Act of 2021 ('Act'), directing BPU to double the growth of the existing solar program, incentivizing up to 3,750 megawatts ('MW') of solar generation by 2026 (750 MW annually).

How much does it cost to install solar panels in NJ? ›

The average New Jersey homeowner needs a 11.49 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $31,564 before incentives. Prices range from $26,829 to $36,299, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.

Can you sell electricity back to the grid in NJ? ›

Net metering programs in New Jersey allow you to sell excess energy generated by your solar panels back to your utility company in exchange for billing credits. New Jersey requires that all investor-owned utility companies in the state offer net metering.

Is solar worth it in NJ? ›

Also if your home receives enough sunlight to make solar panels worth it. Yes, solar panels are worth it for most homeowners in New Jersey! On average, homeowners in New Jersey who have installed solar panels save 43%-53% per month on their energy costs!

What is the New Jersey energy Rebates 2024? ›

The 2024 New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program provides homeowners with up to $5,000 in cash-back incentives and up to $15,000 in zero-interest financing to install energy efficiency upgrades.

Is NJ solar Program legit? ›

The State of NJ/NJBPU does not have a program that offers free solar panel installation for residents of the state. Any claims that such a program exists are false.

Why a homeowner in New Jersey USA should get solar panels? ›

New Jersey solar incentives: federal and state

Still, the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the biggest incentive for many homeowners going solar. It provides a 30% tax credit on your total system costs, including equipment, labor and permits. It will drop to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

Do solar panels increase property taxes in NJ? ›

In other words, going solar increases your home value, but you'll pay no extra property tax for that added value.

Do I need a permit to install solar panels in NJ? ›

The good news is that, in most cases, you will not need a permit for solar panels in NJ. This is because the state has relatively liberal laws regarding solar panel installation, and most residential properties will fall under the jurisdiction of the local building department.

How does solar work in NJ? ›

This works through a process called “net metering.” A customer with a solar system is a buyer and a supplier of electricity. You're a buyer at night – or on days with reduced sunlight - when you need electricity from the grid to run the equipment in your house or business.

How to get free solar panels in NJ? ›

Does New Jersey offer free solar panels? No, the State of New Jersey does not offer free solar panels to residents. If you see offers for 'free' solar panels in New Jersey it is usually referring to a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) offered by local installers, rather than a government-sponsored program.

How long does it take solar panels to pay for themselves? ›

The most common estimate of the average payback period for solar panels is six to ten years. This is a pretty wide range because there are many factors that will influence the number of years it can take to pay off your panels and the monthly savings you can expect.

Do you really save money with solar panels? ›

Based on our research, homeowners can expect to save an average of $1,530 on annual energy bills by installing a solar system. This means that it will take most people who install solar around 9 years to accumulate savings equal to the cost of their system.

Does NJ have an energy tax credit? ›

Homeowners in New Jersey can claim home energy tax credits on their primary residence (where they live most of the time). To qualify for the Home Energy Tax Credit, qualified improvements must have a lifespan of five years or more, such as on home insulation.

What is the New Jersey energy rebates 2024? ›

The 2024 New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program provides homeowners with up to $5,000 in cash-back incentives and up to $15,000 in zero-interest financing to install energy efficiency upgrades.

Do solar panels increase home value in New Jersey? ›

Installing solar panels increases your home's value, which in turn can increase how much you pay in property taxes. However, New Jersey's Renewable Energy System Property Tax Exemption means that your property taxes won't increase based on your solar installation.

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