In Ireland, the SEAI Solar Electricity Grant offers financial support for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on residential properties. This grant is approved by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). As of January 2024, the maximum grant available for domestic solar PV panels has been adjusted to €1,800.

The grant amount varies based on the system's size, with different rates applying for systems up to 4 kilowatts peak (kWp). For example, a 2kWp system could receive €1,400, a 3kWp system might get €1,600, and any system of 4kWp or larger qualifies for the maximum grant of €1,800. However, the grant only covers the cost of purchasing and installing the solar PV system, not additional components like batteries or immersion diverters.

To be eligible for this domestic grant, several criteria must be met:

• The installation must be at a private residence.

• The applicant should be the homeowner.

• The property must have been built and occupied before December 31, 2020.

• The system must be installed by an SEAI registered company, Horizon Solar.

• A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required post-installation.

Planning permission is generally not needed for the installation of solar panels on domestic properties, thanks to changes made in October 2022. This allows solar installations to cover the entire roof of a house. However, there are exceptions, such as properties in solar safeguarding zones near airports or hospitals, which might require planning permission.

The grant application process involves selecting Horizon Solar as your SEAI-registered solar installation company, applying for the grant through Horizon Solar, and then proceeding with the installation. The grant must be approved before work begins, and upon completion, necessary documentation and a post-works BER certificate need to be submitted to SEAI. Horizon Solar can process and manage this application for you to provide a quick turn around.

This grant is part of a broader initiative to encourage renewable energy use in Ireland, and despite the reduction in grant amounts from 2024 onwards, it remains an essential incentive for homeowners considering solar energy. SEAI's goal is to gradually decrease the grant until it is no longer needed, reflecting the growing affordability and adoption of solar energy technologies.

For more detailed information and to apply for the grant, contact Horizon Solar.

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