TAMS 3 Solar Grant for Irish Farmers
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides up to 60% grant aid for solar PV installations on Irish farms. Administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), with an investment ceiling of EUR 90,000 per holding. Systems up to 62 kWp are eligible.
KEY FACTS
TAMS 3 Solar Grant at a Glance
ELIGIBILITY
Which Farmers Can Apply
TAMS 3 is open to registered farmers across Ireland. The scheme operates in tranches with specific application windows.
- Registered farmer with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Must have a Tax Reference Number (TRN) and Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
- Minimum of 5 hectares of land, owned or leased
- Must have applied for Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS)
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate required
- Younger farmers under 40 must have a herd number in their own name. Farmers over 40 must have held a herd number for at least two years
WHAT IS COVERED
What TAMS 3 Covers
Farm Solar PV Systems
Solar panels installed on farm buildings (sheds, stables, milking parlours). Standard farms can install up to 30 kWp. Pig and poultry farms can install up to 62 kWp. The system size is matched to your previous 12 months electricity usage.
Battery Storage
Battery storage is eligible for 60% grant aid. The battery capacity eligible for grant support is capped at 50% of the installed solar panel capacity. For example, a 10 kWp solar system qualifies for a battery up to 5 kWh.
Installation and Electrical
All installation costs including mounting hardware, inverters, electrical wiring, and connection to your farm supply. The installer must be on the SEAI register or the DAFM approved list.
Application Support
Applications are submitted online through the Department of Agriculture AgFood portal during open tranche periods. Your installer and farm advisor prepare all documentation including the On Farm Solar PV Survey.
HOW TO APPLY
How to Apply for TAMS 3
Prepare Your Application
Gather your previous 12 months of electricity bills, farm layout plans, site location map, and ownership documents. Your farm advisor and solar installer help prepare the On Farm Solar PV Survey and all required drawings.
Submit During Open Tranche
Applications are submitted online through AgFood.ie during open tranche periods. Applications are assessed based on criteria including age, farm size, and location. You cannot begin any work until you receive your approval letter.
Install and Claim
Once approved, your SEAI registered installer completes the solar installation. All works must be completed within 12 months of approval. Submit your completion documentation through AgFood.ie to receive your 60% grant payment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
TAMS 3 Questions for Farmers
No. TAMS 3 covers solar PV on farm buildings only (sheds, stables, milking parlours). However, a maximum of one dwelling may be included in the electricity demand calculation. For your farmhouse, you can apply separately for the SEAI residential solar grant of EUR 1,800.
Under TAMS 3 conditions, 100% of electricity generated from grant-aided panels must be consumed on the farm holding. The system is designed to match your farm electricity usage, not to export surplus to the grid.
A typical farm solar installation costs between EUR 15,000 and EUR 50,000 depending on system size. With the 60% TAMS grant, a EUR 30,000 system would cost you EUR 12,000 after grant aid. Your installer will provide an exact quote during the site survey.
TAMS 3 operates in tranches with specific opening and closing dates published by the Department of Agriculture. There are typically 2 to 3 tranches per year. Check AgFood.ie for current tranche dates. The scheme is planned to run for five years.
Rooftop solar PV on farm sheds is exempt from planning permission up to 300 kW. Ground-mounted systems are exempt up to 17 kW. Larger ground-mounted arrays or installations near airports or hospitals may require planning. Your installer will confirm during the site survey.
GET STARTED
Get Your Free Farm Solar Quote
Tell us about your farm and we will connect you with SEAI registered solar installers experienced in TAMS 3 applications.
- 100% Free Service
- TAMS Application Support
- No Obligation
- SEAI Registered Installers