Business Solar Grant Ireland: 45% SEAI Support Until July 2027
If you run a business, farm, school or community building, October 2026 brought the most generous solar grant we have seen for non-domestic premises. Under changes announced by the Government on 29 September, SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant now pays up to 45% of eligible costs, up from roughly 23% before. The catch is that the higher rate is only available for nine months.
We install commercial and agricultural systems right across the country, and this is the question we are being asked most: how much is it really worth, and how long have I got? This guide covers both, using the figures published by SEAI.
What the enhanced grant is
The Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG) supports solar PV on non-domestic buildings. SEAI describes it as a fixed value of support per kWp installed. Since it launched in 2022, the scheme has supported 3,160 installations worth over €33 million, according to SEAI’s announcement of the enhanced grants.
Under the change, the grant is calculated on the band rates below, but paid at the lower of that amount or 45% of your invoiced cost. The enhanced rate runs from 6 October 2026 to 6 July 2027, and only applies to new applications made from 6 October 2026.
Book a free energy audit (worth €2,000). We review your bills, size the system and work out the SEAI business grant (about 45% until July 2027) and ACA tax savings.Book my free energy audit
Who qualifies
According to the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant page, the scheme is open to:
- Businesses of all sizes
- The agricultural sector, including farms
- Public sector bodies
- Schools
- Community centres
- Non-profit societies
Sports clubs are not named specifically on the page. Many are set up as non-profit societies, so it is worth checking your club’s legal structure with SEAI before applying.
The system must be between 1kWp and 1,000kWp (1MWp) to be grant eligible. Larger systems can still receive the maximum grant. You must also use a company registered with SEAI for the Non-Domestic Microgen scheme.
How much you can get
The grant is worked out by system size, using these bands from the SEAI page:
| System size | Grant |
|---|---|
| 1kWp | €1,800 |
| 2kWp | €3,600 |
| 3kWp | €4,200 |
| 4kWp to 6kWp | €4,800 |
| 7kWp to 20kWp | €600 per kWp |
| 21kWp to 200kWp | €400 per kWp |
| 201kWp to 1,000kWp | €300 per kWp |
| Maximum grant | €325,200 |
Two points to keep in mind. First, the final payment is capped at 45% of your invoiced cost, so a cheaply priced system will not attract more than 45% back. Second, SEAI’s application summary page shows the exact value for your system size, and that figure is what goes on your offer. We will show you that number before you sign anything.
Government figures estimate average savings of around €12,000 a year for businesses taking up the scheme, and up to €300,000 a year for the largest users. Your actual savings depend on how much of the electricity you use on site during the day.
Other business grants at 45%
The same package raised heat pump and solar thermal grants under SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrades Scheme to 45% of eligible costs. If you are planning a wider upgrade, it can make sense to look at these together.
How to apply, step by step
- Get quotes from registered companies. SEAI recommends getting several. Sign a formal contract with your chosen company before you apply.
- Apply online. Applications are made through SEAI’s online portal. Wait for your letter of offer before any work starts. Offers are valid for eight months.
- ESB Networks connection. Your installer applies for grid connection approval. Allow at least 20 working days, and longer for larger systems.
- Installation. Work begins only once ESB Networks has approved the connection.
- Documentation. Your installer uploads the completion paperwork to SEAI, ideally within one to three days of finishing.
- Payment. SEAI aims to pay within four to six weeks of receiving all documents, longer if an inspection is needed.
If your grants from public bodies will be more than €10,000 in a calendar year, you will need a valid Tax Clearance Certificate before SEAI can pay.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it too late. The 45% rate is for applications made by 6 July 2027. With the ESB Networks timeline and an eight-month offer, starting in early 2027 is far safer than starting in June.
- Starting work before the letter of offer. This will cost you the grant.
- Expecting an old application to be topped up. SEAI has said existing applications will not be increased, and anyone who has already started works cannot seek more than their existing offer.
- Ignoring tax clearance. Sort it out early so payment is not held up.
- Oversizing. Exporting most of your output earns far less than using it on site. Size the system to your daytime load.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still claim Accelerated Capital Allowances as well?
Many businesses combine SEAI grants with tax reliefs, but how the two interact depends on your circumstances. Talk to your accountant before you assume both apply in full.
Does the grant cover batteries?
The NDMG is described by SEAI as a grant per kWp of solar PV installed. The bands on the SEAI page relate to solar PV capacity, so do not budget for battery funding under this scheme unless SEAI confirms it for your project.
I applied in September 2026. Can I reapply at 45%?
SEAI says existing applications are not increased. If you have not started works, contact SEAI to ask about your options before doing anything else.
Is a farm shed eligible?
Yes, the agricultural sector is listed as eligible. Farmers may also be able to use TAMS supports from the Department of Agriculture. The two schemes have different rules, so ask your farm adviser which route suits your project before applying to either.
Get your project in before July 2027
Irish Wind & Solar designs and installs commercial, farm and community solar systems in all 26 counties from our base in Waterford. We will size the system to your usage, show you the SEAI grant value up front, and manage the application and ESB Networks process. See our commercial solar solutions, browse our SEAI grants guide, or contact us to book a site survey.
Thinking about your own system? See our commercial and farm solar or book a free survey with our SEAI-registered team.
