Government Confirms SEAI Rooftop Solar Grant for 2026
Government Confirms SEAI Rooftop Solar Grant for 2026
GoSolar.ie warmly welcomes the Government’s decision to retain the SEAI domestic solar grant at €1,800 for 2026, reversing a previously planned reduction to €1,500. Announced by Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien at COP30 in Brazil, this move ensures solar remains accessible for thousands of Irish homeowners at a time when energy costs continue to pressure household budgets.
This decision aligns closely with recommendations from Solar Ireland and has been widely welcomed across the renewable-energy sector. As Solar Ireland notes, it supports sustained growth in the micro-generation industry. Meanwhile, RTÉ reported that the grant will not be cut to €1,500 as initially planned — a change that safeguards access for many more Irish households.
A Win for Households and a Boost to Ireland’s Clean-Energy Transition
Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, described the decision as “simple, sensible and hugely positive,” noting that keeping the grant at €1,800 will help more families reduce their energy bills and their emissions — while ensuring projects stay within SEAI’s strong regulatory framework.
The growth story of solar in Ireland is compelling:
There is nearly 1 GW of rooftop solar now installed when including farm buildings.
Around 155,000 rooftops currently host solar PV.
The number of SEAI applications is expected to increase to 33,000 in 2025 (up from 28,000 last year), per the Minister.
At GoSolar.ie, we believe this sustained support is not only vital but right. Rooftop solar has become an essential pillar of Ireland’s clean-energy strategy — and keeping this grant stable will allow households of all kinds to participate in the renewable transition.
GoSolar.ie: Solar Should Be for Everyone
We strongly agree with other voices in the sector: solar must be inclusive, fair, and accessible. Affordability is critical, but so is equitable eligibility.
That’s why GoSolar.ie supports the call to remove the 2020 build-year restriction. Under current rules, homes built after 2020 are excluded from accessing this grant — a policy we believe is counterproductive.
Here’s why we think that cut-off should go:
Newer homes, despite being energy-efficient, still face high energy costs and can contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s clean-energy targets.
The restriction unfairly burdens young families and new homeowners, many of whom are handling mortgage repayments and looking for long-term savings.
Excluding homes built after 2020 undercuts the principle that solar should be for everyone, regardless of when their home was built.
As the Micro Renewable Energy Federation has pointed out, the 2020 rule “discriminates” against new-build homeowners. GoSolar.ie fully supports the removal of this barrier so that the next generation of Irish housing is not left out of the solar revolution.
Support for Installers and Ireland’s Green Economy
Beyond households, this decision brings a sense of stability to Ireland’s solar installation industry. Thousands of skilled installers across the country rely on grant certainty to plan their businesses and scale operations.
Ciarán Kells, Chairperson of the Micro Renewable Energy Federation, described the announcement as “critical” for both homeowners planning to invest and the installer workforce. GoSolar.ie echoes this — stable grant policy helps sustain demand, supports jobs, and strengthens Ireland’s clean-energy economy.
Looking Ahead: A Fairer, Faster Renewable Future
Retaining the rooftop solar grant at €1,800 for 2026 is a major step forward. But to unlock the full potential of Ireland’s solar future, GoSolar.ie believes the next phase must focus on fair access for all homeowners, regardless of their home’s age.
We will continue to advocate for:
A more inclusive solar grant policy
Removal of the 2020 build-year restriction
Strategies that enable every Irish household to benefit from the clean energy transition
The Government’s decision sends a strong signal of commitment — and GoSolar.ie looks forward to working with homeowners, industry bodies, and policymakers to ensure solar is truly for everyone.
References
Solar Ireland. Solar Ireland welcomes confirmation SEAI rooftop solar grant will remain €1,800 in 2026. 2025.
RTÉ News. Minister confirms rooftop solar grant stays at €1,800 in 2026. 17 Nov 2025.
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