Home Q&A: How do I qualify for the solar electricity PV grant?

Helping with 30% of the cost of a solar-PV array and its installation, the SEAI grant not only gives you a financial boost but ensures your supplier is registered through the SEAI mechanism. File picture

Question

How do I know if I qualify for the solar electricity grant?

Answer

Helping with 30% of the cost of a solar-PV array and its installation, the SEAI grant not only gives you a financial boost but ensures your supplier is registered through the SEAI mechanism. 

To qualify for a solar-PV (domestic) grant handled by the SEAI, you need to meet certain criteria.

You must be the owner of a home built and occupied before 2021.

You need to use designated materials and products that were not already covered by another grant scheme (for instance, the Vacant Homes Refurbishment grants).

• You will be required to use a registered, tax-compliant company from the SEAI’s registered Approved Installer list of companies.
• The electrical works must be completed by a Safe Electric Ireland electrician (upgrades are occasionally necessary).
• You will need to apply to ESB Networks to be connected to the electricity distribution system using the ESB Networks NC6 form. Your registered installer should do this for you during the course of the paperwork.
• You must provide a Declaration of Works signed by a registered installer on the SEAI solar-PV-Approved installer list.
• Also, you will be required to have a Building Energy Rating (BER) carried out after the work is completed; €50 grant aid is available through the SEAI.
• You must meet the requirements in the solar-PV code of practice and pass any audit set by the SEAI.

Don't start work before you have a letter of offer from the SEAI. 

For everything else you need to know, go to seai.ie. 

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