What Is the New €9,000 Solar Grant for Qualifying DSP Payments

As part of a package of enhanced home energy supports introduced ahead of Budget 2027, the Irish Government launched higher solar PV grants for homeowners receiving certain Department of Social Protection payments.

The enhanced grant provides up to €8,400 towards a qualifying solar PV installation, with an additional €600 available for a home battery system of at least 5kWh capacity. That brings the maximum combined grant to €9,000.

The new supports became available on 6 October 2026 and are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). - Read article

Important Note: This is a grant towards the overall cost of installation, rather than a guaranteed flat payment of €9,000 to every applicant. The final grant amount depends on the size of the solar PV system you install and whether qualifying battery storage is included. This does not include electrical upgrades that your property may need.

How Much Can You Get Towards Solar Panels and Battery Storage?

Under the enhanced SEAI grant scheme, qualifying homeowners receive higher grant rates per kilowatt-peak (kWp) than standard applicants:

Solar Panels (PV): Up to €8,400 max

• First 2 kWp: €3,350 per kWp

• 3rd & 4th kWp: €850 per kWp

• Capped at: €8,400 (for 4 kWp or larger)

• Battery Storage (5 kWh+): A flat €600 grant.

Example

• €6,700 for 2kWp

• €7,550 for 3kWp

• €8,400 for 4kWp

Grant kWp Grant Caluclation Breakdown

Panel Count	System Size (kWp)	Enhanced Scheme (€8,400 Max)
6 Panels	2.76 kWp	€7,346
7 Panels	3.22 kWp	€7,737
8 Panels	3.68 kWp	€8,128
9 Panels	4.14 kWp	€8,400
10 Panels	4.60 kWp	€8,400
11 Panels	5.06 kWp	€8,400
12 Panels	5.52 kWp	€8,400
13 Panels	5.98 kWp	€8,400
14 Panels	6.44 kWp	€8,800
15 Panels	6.90 kWp	€8,400
16 Panels	7.36 kWp	€8,400
17 Panels	7.82 kWp	€8,400
18 Panels	8.28 kWp	€8,400
19 Panels	8.74 kWp	€8,400
20 Panels	9.20 kWp	€8,400
21 Panels	9.66 kWp	€8,400
22 Panels	10.12 kWp	€8,400

• 5 kWh battery: €600 fixed grant   

Who Qualifies for the €9,000 Solar Grant in Ireland?

The enhanced grant scheme is specifically targeted at households receiving qualifying Department of Social Protection (DSP) payments.

Qualifying DSP Payments:

• Fuel Allowance

• Working Family Payment

• One-Parent Family Payment

• Domiciliary Care Allowance

• Carer’s Allowance (must reside with the person being cared for)

• Jobseeker’s Allowance (must be received for more than 6 months AND have a child under 7 years old)

• Disability Allowance (must be received for more than 6 months AND have a child under 7 years old)

Key Property and Application Requirements:

1. Owner-Occupied: The home must be owned and occupied by the applicant as their primary residence.

2. Build Date: The property must have been built and occupied prior to 2025.

3. No Prior Grant: Homes that have already received an SEAI Solar PV grant under the same Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) are generally ineligible for a second grant.

4. Approval First: You must apply and receive an official SEAI Letter of Offer before any installation work begins. Works commenced prior to grant approval will result in forfeiture of the grant.

If you are unsure whether your social welfare payment or property qualifies, it is recommended to review the official SEAI eligibility guidelines or consult with an SEAI-registered solar contractor before making financial commitments.