SEAI Business Energy Grants Ireland
The SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant supports businesses, schools, farms, community organisations, and charities installing solar PV systems from 1 kWp to 1,000 kWp. Combined with Accelerated Capital Allowances, businesses can reduce the effective cost of solar by over 50%.
KEY FACTS
SEAI Business Grant at a Glance
ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Apply for Business Grants
The SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant is open to a wide range of non-residential buildings and organisations across Ireland.
- Businesses of any size operating in Ireland with a non-domestic electricity meter
- Schools, hospitals, community centres, and public buildings
- Charities and non-profit organisations
- Farms (TAMS 3 may offer higher grant rates for qualifying farmers)
- The building must have an active MPRN (non-domestic)
- The system must be installed by an SEAI registered installer and works must not begin before grant approval
WHAT IS COVERED
What the Business Grant Covers
Commercial Solar PV Systems
Grant support for solar PV systems from 10 kW for small businesses to 200 kW+ for warehouses, factories, and large commercial buildings. The grant rate varies by system size, with higher per-kWp rates for smaller systems.
Energy Audit Support
The SEAI Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) provides a EUR 2,000 voucher for SMEs to get a professional energy audit. This identifies where your business can save money and helps prioritise investments.
Accelerated Capital Allowance
Businesses can claim 100% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient equipment against taxable profits in year one. The ACA scheme has been extended to 31 December 2030. This stacks with SEAI grants for even greater savings.
Full Grant Administration
Your installer handles the SEAI grant application, ESB Networks connection paperwork, and commissioning documentation. The grant is deducted from your final invoice.
HOW TO APPLY
How to Apply for Business Grants
Energy Audit
Start with the SEAI SSEA energy audit voucher (EUR 2,000 for SMEs). A professional auditor assesses your premises and recommends the optimal solar system size based on your electricity consumption profile.
Grant Application
Apply to the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant scheme before any work begins. Your installer prepares the application with system design, projected savings, and cost breakdown. SEAI reviews and issues approval.
Installation and Claim
Your installer completes the commercial solar installation, handles ESB Networks connection, and submits all documentation to SEAI. The grant is processed and the ACA can be claimed in your next tax return.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Business Grant Questions
Yes. The ACA applies to the net cost after the SEAI grant has been deducted. For example, if your solar system costs EUR 50,000 and the SEAI grant covers EUR 15,000, you can claim 100% ACA on the remaining EUR 35,000 in year one. This combination can reduce the effective cost by over 50%.
Most commercial solar systems in Ireland achieve payback in 4 to 6 years, depending on system size, electricity consumption, and grant support. After payback, your business benefits from free electricity for 20 to 25 years.
Yes. The Clean Export Guarantee allows businesses to sell surplus solar electricity back to their energy supplier. Export rates typically range from 12 to 24 cent per kWh depending on your provider.
Most rooftop commercial solar installations are exempt from planning permission in Ireland. Ground-mounted systems and very large installations may require planning approval. Your installer confirms this during the site survey.
Commercial installations typically take 1 to 3 weeks depending on system size. A 30 kW office system may take 3 to 5 days, while a 200 kW warehouse installation could take 2 to 3 weeks. The full process from application to commissioning is usually 6 to 12 weeks.
GET STARTED
Get Your Free Commercial Solar Quote
Tell us about your business premises and we will connect you with SEAI registered commercial solar installers in your area.
- 100% Free Service
- SEAI Grant Applications Handled
- No Obligation
- Certified Commercial Installers