Recently, Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) announced that the country’s 2026 residential solar photovoltaic subsidy policy has been officially confirmed, maintaining the maximum subsidy amount at €1,800.
The subsidy scheme released by SEAI adopts a tiered calculation approach to accommodate households with different installation capacities. For the first 2 kWp, the subsidy is €700 per kWp, while for capacities between 2 kWp and 4 kWp, the subsidy is €200 per kWp, with an overall subsidy cap of €1,800. For example, a household installing a 2.5 kWp system would receive €1,400 for the first 2 kWp and an additional €100 for the remaining 0.5 kWp, resulting in a total subsidy of €1,500.
In terms of eligibility, the policy explicitly covers residential properties, including those owned by private landlords, homeowner management companies, and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). Key requirements include the property having a Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), being built before 2021 and currently occupied, and ensuring that the same MPRN property does not apply for the subsidy multiple times. SEAI emphasized that selecting a registered installer, ensuring standard-compliant installation, and submitting complete documentation are critical prerequisites for receiving the subsidy smoothly.
Regarding process management, applicants must complete and obtain approval for their subsidy application before starting installation. Approved projects must be completed and all documentation submitted within eight months, and the installation must be carried out by an SEAI-registered installer. To meet different needs, households can choose from two application methods: those applying on their own will receive the subsidy directly after submitting all required documents post-installation, while households requiring multiple energy upgrades can opt for a “one-stop-shop” service, where a professional agency manages the entire process and the subsidy is deducted upfront from project costs.
An SEAI representative stated that the Micro-generation Support Scheme not only lowers the investment barrier for household PV through financial subsidies but also ensures project quality by enforcing standardized installation requirements. The stable subsidy policy provides households with clear expectations for their investments. It is estimated that households installing a 4 kWp PV system can recover their costs (after subsidies) in about 5 to 7 years, while achieving long-term energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. The continuation of this policy will further advance Ireland’s renewable energy development goals.
