New solar and battery grants: What the Government’s expanded energy supports mean
Solar Ireland has welcomed a significant expansion of Government supports for solar PV and battery storage, including the introduction of a new €600 grant for residential battery storage and substantially increased support for businesses investing in solar.
The measures, announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien as part of a wider package of energy affordability and retrofit supports, are due to open from 6 October 2026, subject to final implementation arrangements.
The package expands access to solar and storage across households, lower-income and medically vulnerable customers, rental properties and businesses.
What is changing for households?
A new €600 grant for home battery energy storage systems is being introduced.
Battery storage enables households with solar PV to store more of the electricity they generate during the day and use it when it is needed, including during periods of higher electricity demand.
Eligibility for the existing €1,800 SEAI solar PV grant is also being widened. Homes built and occupied before 2025 will now be eligible, compared with the existing pre-2021 eligibility requirement.
The Government estimates that a battery installed alongside a 4 kWp solar PV system could contribute to combined household energy savings of up to €878 per year.
Greater support for households at risk of energy poverty
The package includes significant additional support designed to make solar and battery storage accessible to households that may otherwise struggle with the upfront cost. Under the Warmer Homes Scheme, eligible households will be offered fully funded solar PV systems of up to 4 kWp together with 5 kWh of battery storage.
Eligible homeowners receiving certain Department of Social Protection payments will be able to access grants of up to €9,000 towards a solar PV system of up to 4 kWp and a 5 kWh battery.
The Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme will also be expanded to provide fully funded solar PV systems of up to 4 kWp with 5 kWh of battery storage.
A pilot under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) will provide grants of up to €9,000 for qualifying homes to install solar PV and battery storage.
Significant increase in support for business solar
Businesses are also set to benefit from a substantial increase in support. For nine months, support under the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant Scheme will increase from approximately 23% to 45% of eligible installation costs.
The Government estimates that approximately 1,250 businesses could benefit, with annual energy savings of approximately €12,000 for an average installation.
Grant support for heat pumps and solar thermal installations under the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme will also increase to 45% of eligible costs.
Solar Ireland welcomes greater support for solar and storage
Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said:
“There is enormous untapped potential for rooftop solar on our homes, commercial buildings, farms, schools and public buildings. However, upfront installation costs remain a significant barrier for many households, particularly those who could benefit most from generating their own electricity and reducing their exposure to volatile energy prices.
“We have long called for the reintroduction of support for residential battery storage, so the new €600 grant is particularly welcome. Batteries allow households to make better use of the solar electricity they generate, reduce reliance on the grid during peak periods and provide greater protection from future energy price volatility.
“It is particularly important that these measures make solar and storage more accessible to households most exposed to high energy costs. Ensuring more people can participate directly in Ireland’s energy transition is an important part of building a fairer and more resilient energy system.
“The significant increase in support for business solar is also very welcome. For businesses, onsite solar provides greater control over energy costs, reduces exposure to electricity price volatility and can improve competitiveness.”
What happens next?
The new and expanded measures are due to open from 6 October 2026, subject to final implementation arrangements, and the SEAI will publish further details on eligibility, terms and conditions and the application process.
Solar Ireland looks forward to engaging with the Department and SEAI on the implementation of the schemes to ensure they support safe, high-quality installations and enable more households and businesses to benefit from solar and battery storage.