Deirdre O Meara 
Table of Contents
Ireland is making strides towards becoming a more sustainable and environmentally friendly country. One of the ways in which the government is supporting this goal is through the provision of energy grants for homeowners and businesses. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the different energy grants available in Ireland, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.
SEAI Home Energy Grants
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a range of home energy grants to support homeowners in making their homes more energy efficient. These grants include:
- Better Energy Homes Scheme: This grant provides funding for insulation, heating, and renewable energy measures. Eligible homeowners can receive up to €4,000 towards the cost of these upgrades.
- Warmer Homes Scheme: This grant is targeted towards low-income households and provides funding for insulation and heating upgrades. Eligible homeowners can receive up to €6,000 towards the cost of these upgrades.
- Deep Retrofit Pilot: This grant is targeted towards homeowners who want to undertake a deep retrofit of their home. Eligible homeowners can receive up to €30,000 towards the cost of these upgrades.
To be eligible for these grants, homeowners must have a BER (Building Energy Rating) of D1 or lower and must have their upgrades installed by a SEAI-approved contractor.
SEAI Business Energy Grants
The SEAI also offers a range of energy grants for businesses, including:
SME Energy Audit Scheme: This grant provides funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to have an energy audit completed on their business. Eligible businesses can receive up to €5,000 towards the cost of the audit.
SME Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme: This grant provides funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undertake energy efficiency upgrades in their business. Eligible businesses can receive up to €20,000 towards the cost of these upgrades.
To be eligible for these grants, businesses must be based in Ireland and must have fewer than 500 employees.
Other Energy Grants Available
In addition to the SEAI grants, there are several other energy grants available in Ireland. These include:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Grant: This grant provides funding for individuals and businesses to purchase electric vehicles. Eligible applicants can receive up to €5,000 towards the cost of the vehicle.
- Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): This grant provides funding for individuals and businesses who install renewable heating systems in their home or business. Eligible applicants can receive up to €12,700 towards the cost of the system.
- Solar PV Grant: This grant provides funding for individuals and businesses who install solar panels on their home or business. Eligible applicants can receive up to €3,800 towards the cost of the system.
How to Apply for Energy Grants
To apply for any of the energy grants mentioned above, interested parties can visit the SEAI website for more information and to access the relevant application forms. It is important to note that applications for some of the grants have specific deadlines and are subject to availability of funds.
Final Thoughts
Ireland is committed to becoming a more sustainable and environmentally friendly country and the government is providing energy grants to support individuals and businesses in achieving this goal. The grants discussed in this article can help homeowners and businesses make their homes and businesses more energy efficient, reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately save money on their energy bills. It is important to note that the availability of funds and specific deadlines for the application, so it is recommended to check the SEAI website regularly for updates and to apply as soon as possible if interested.
