Written by: Briain Kelly, Editor
Non-Domestic Microgen Grant
The SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme is the main source of solar panel grant funding for businesses. This typically covers between 20% and 30% of the installation costs, reducing the payback period to as little as 4 years.
How much is available?
The maximum SEAI solar grant of €162,600 is awarded to large commercial solar systems of 1,000 kWp (more than 2,000 panels).
The funding is calculated based on the size of the solar system you install – for example, a business would receive €7,600 towards a 25kWp system (~ 55 panels).
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Who is eligible for the grant?
The Non-Domestic Microgen grant is available for non-residential applicants, as long as the property was built and occupied before 2021. The grant is awarded to:
Businesses
Farms
Public sector bodies
Schools
Community centres
Non-profits
- €30 million awarded from 2022 – May 2026
- 2,791 installations supported
What is covered?
The SEAI grant can cover all expenses associated with the design, purchase and installation of a commercial solar PV system.
Solar components: Solar panels, inverters, battery storage, mounting systems.
Associated costs: Wiring, labour, scaffolding, groundworks.
How to apply
You can apply for the SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme grant online, and it is a simple process if you follow these steps:
Before applying for the grant you must have a contract in place with a solar installer. You can only use an installer who is registered with the SEAI if you want to receive the grant.
With a signed contract you can now make your grant application. This can only be done online through the SEAI’s website at mgen.seai.ie.
Grant approval should come almost instantly if you meet the requirements.
You must apply to the ESB for approval to connect the solar PV system to the national grid. Your installer will handle this and they must do this before the solar PV system is installed.
Once you have your letter of offer from the SEAI and the ESB approval for a network connection, you can proceed with the installation of the solar PV system.
The installer will submit evidence that the solar PV system has been installed. This includes a Declaration of Works Form, an Inspection and Testing Report, and other items on the Grant Completion Checklist provided by the SEAI.
Once all of the supporting documents have been submitted to the SEAI, your grant payment should be processed in 4 – 6 weeks. If your business is selected for an inspection, it will take longer for your payment to be processed.
If your business receives over €10,000 in grants within a calendar year, a Tax Clearance Certificate will also be required to process your payment.
Key Tip: Before applying for the grant, find out whether you need planning permission for solar panels. This is more likely if you are installing ground-mounted solar panels, or if you are near an airport, airfield or helipad in a Solar Safeguarding Zone.
TAMS 3 grant for farms
Farmers can also apply for a grant from the Department of Agriculture, known as TAMS 3.
- The TAMS 3 grant covers up to 60% of eligible installation costs.
- The maximum value is €54,000 (for a €90,000 installation).
- It is calculated as a percentage of the project rather than a fixed rate per kWp.
- This means it can fund a larger share of the installation cost.
Can I get a farm solar grant?
The TAMS 3 solar grant is available for working farms at least 5ha in size to reduce their electricity consumption.
Other financial incentives for energy upgrades
Aside from the Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme, there are multiple commercial grants for solar panels and other financial incentives available in Ireland.
Accelerated Capital Allowance
The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) is a tax incentive scheme that allows businesses to deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying energy efficient equipment from their taxable income within a single tax year.
To claim this tax relief, you just have to follow two simple steps:
- 1
Choose Your Equipment: Select the relevant solar PV equipment from the Triple E register maintained by the SEAI.
- 2
Submit Tax Form: Claim the ACA through its designated field on your company’s return of income form (CT1).
Minimum expenditure: For solar PV systems you must be spending at least €1,000
Registered products: The chosen equipment must be on the SEAI Triple E register.
New equipment: All equipment bought for your business must be new.
Business status: The ACA is available for companies, sole traders, or farmers paying tax in Ireland.
Tax status: The applicant must pay corporation tax or income tax on trading or professional income.
Time to claim: You can only claim the ACA in the same accounting year it was purchased.
The Accelerated Capital Allowance is available for the essential equipment needed for a solar PV system, including the solar panels and inverters.
Solar batteries are not eligible for claiming the ACA, as they do not currently appear on the Triple E register.
Community Energy Grants
Businesses can also get funding for solar as part of a larger scheme under the SEAI’s Community Grant Programme. This programme supports projects which involve multiple buildings, or facilities with an established benefit to the community.
Business owners who want to initiate a community project should reach out to a project coordinator.
Key Point: For a community solar project to receive funding under the grant scheme it must be 100% owned by the community.
SEAI EXEED Grants
The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) scheme offers up to €3 million to very large energy users to decarbonise their business through large scale renovation projects, building new premises, or implementing new manufacturing processes.
Commercial solar panels are an eligible upgrade under the EXEED Grant Scheme. However, renewable energy systems such as these are only considered after energy efficiency improvements to the building fabric and systems have been addressed first.
FAQs
No, you do not need to have a BER before applying for the Non-Domestic Microgen Grant, nor do you need one after the installation to claim payment.
No, if you have received a grant for solar panels on a business then you cannot apply for another grant for the same property.
Yes, businesses can get both a solar grant and claim the Accelerated Capital Allowance for the cost of installing solar. However, you can only claim tax relief on the cost after deducting the value of the grant.
Yes, a grant is tied to a single property. If you have multiple separate properties or farms, they can each receive a grant. A property is typically defined by having a single MPRN.
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