The SEAI solar grant is the main support for homeowners installing solar panels in Ireland. The process isn’t complicated, but the order matters: start work too early and you lose the grant. This guide walks through the SEAI solar grant application step by step, based on SEAI’s solar electricity grant page and its Solar PV grant application guide (version 6.0, dated 12 October 2026). Checked 25 October 2026.
How much is the SEAI solar grant?
SEAI’s solar electricity grant page (checked 26 October 2026) lists €700 per kWp up to 2kWp and €200 for each extra kWp up to 4kWp, with or without a battery, so the panel grant tops out at €1,800. A separate €600 grant for a 5kWh battery brings the maximum to €2,400. Grant amounts change, so confirm the current figures with SEAI before you sign a contract.
SEAI also offers higher grants for homeowners receiving certain Department of Social Protection payments. See our page on the enhanced solar grant and our main solar grants guide.
Who can apply?
SEAI’s grant page says the scheme is open to homeowners, including private landlords, as well as owner management companies and Approved Housing Bodies. The home needs an MPRN, and homes with previous solar PV funding at the same MPRN aren’t eligible. The home must have been built and occupied before 2025; confirm with SEAI if your home is relatively new. For apartments, the owner management company or its agent applies with written authorisation.
Timeline at a glance
| Stage | What SEAI says about timing |
|---|---|
| Application to letter of offer | Apply online; wait for the offer before any works |
| Grid notification (NC6) | Usually at least 4 weeks (20 working days) |
| Completion deadline | 8 months from approval, including paperwork |
| Installer uploads documents | Within a few days of installation |
| Payment | Usually 4 to 6 weeks after all documents and BER |
Sources: SEAI grant page and application guide, checked 25 October 2026.
SEAI solar grant application: before you start
SEAI’s guide says you’ll need:
- An email address and your Eircode.
- Your bank IBAN and BIC for payment.
- Your 11-digit MPRN, found on your electricity bill.
- The year your home was built.
- Your chosen installer’s name and the system size.
SEAI’s guide also says you can’t apply if you’ve already bought materials or started works, and the home must not have had SEAI support for solar PV before.
The process step by step
- Get quotes and choose a company. Pick an active SEAI-registered solar PV company and get a written contract covering the works, price, timing, payment terms and warranties. Getting more than one quote helps; see our guide to comparing quotes.
- Apply online. Submit your application on SEAI’s portal before any work starts.
- Wait for your letter of offer. Don’t start works or buy materials until you have it. Check the company named on the offer matches your contract.
- Confirm details. The grant is only payable for the measure, size, company and amount on the offer. SEAI’s guide says changes to installer, size or type require cancelling and reapplying before works start.
- Grid notification. Your solar company submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks. SEAI’s grant page says the grid connection step usually takes at least four weeks (20 working days).
- Book your post-works BER. Once you have an installation date, arrange a SEAI-registered BER assessor. A post-works BER must be published before the grant is paid.
- Installation. The system is installed and commissioned. Bord Gáis Energy says most domestic installs are completed in one to two days on site.
- Paperwork. Your installer and BER assessor submit the documents to SEAI.
- Payment. SEAI pays the grant to your bank account. The grant page says this is usually within four to six weeks of all documents and the BER being received, and longer if an inspection or rework is needed.
Deadlines to watch
SEAI’s guide says that once approved you have 8 months to complete the installation and for the installer and BER assessor to submit their paperwork. After that the offer expires. The grant page adds that the amount you get is the one in effect when you applied; if you cancel and reapply, the newer rates apply.
Documents SEAI needs for payment
According to SEAI’s application guide, the payment file includes:
- Declaration of Works, signed by the installer.
- Inspection, Test and Commissioning Certificate.
- Safe Electric (RECI) completion certificate.
- Completed NC6 form.
- Approved post-works BER.
- Invoice describing the works.
- Installation photographs.
SEAI says payment is only requested after the installer has been paid in full or has a financing agreement with you. Keep copies of manuals, certificates, warranties and datasheets, as homes may be selected at random for inspection.
Adding a battery
If you’re installing panels and a battery together, SEAI’s grant page says you can apply for both in one application. If you already have a solar application, you’d make a new battery application rather than amending it. SEAI’s guide notes a battery installed with solar is at 0% VAT. See our battery storage advice.
Common mistakes
- Starting works, or paying a deposit for materials to be ordered, before the letter of offer.
- Changing installer or system size without SEAI approval.
- Leaving the BER until the last minute and missing the 8-month deadline.
- Assuming the grant amount quoted by a salesperson is correct without checking SEAI’s site.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the SEAI solar grant take to be paid?
SEAI’s grant page says usually four to six weeks after all documents and the BER are received, longer if there’s an inspection.
Do I need a BER for the solar grant?
Yes. A SEAI-registered BER assessor must complete and publish a post-works BER before payment. Ask your installer whether the BER cost is included in their quote.
Can I install the panels myself and claim the grant?
No. The work must be done by an SEAI-registered solar PV company. SEAI’s guide notes that where a registered installer works on their own home, only materials are claimable.
What if I need to change installer after approval?
SEAI says you’d need to cancel and reapply, and only if works haven’t started.
Get your solar quote today
Get your solar quote today. We’ll connect you with SEAI-registered solar companies who can quote, and who handle the NC6 and SEAI paperwork as part of the job.
