Use the sun's energy to heat hot water for your home.

Solar panels on the roof of a house

About the grant

Solar thermal systems transform energy from the sun into hot water for your home. They are designed to meet 50 - 60% of your annual hot water needs.

This grant will help you install a solar thermal system to heat hot water for your home. Learn about the grant values and how to apply.

Grant value for solar water heating

Each individual grant offers a fixed value.

Grant name ValueApply

Solar water heating grant

€1200

How do I apply

Guide to solar water heating

This popular guide will give you all the information you need about installing a solar water heating system in your home.

Learn about the solar technologies that can harness the sun’s energy to provide hot water for buildings.

Who can apply

All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2021 can apply. This is defined as the date your electricity meter was installed. This is different to other grant measures where the home must be built before 2011.

Important compliance check

This type of grant is based on the energy upgrade being applied to your entire home. The solar thermal system should be based on the average number of people that could live in a home of your size. It should not be based on the number of occupants.

Your registered contractor should carry out this compliance check before work starts. Failure to comply may result in the grant not being paid.

For further information read our Solar Technical Guidance and Compliance Calculator.

 

Planning considerations

When installing a solar thermal system the total collector area must not exceed 12m2 or 50% of the home's total roof area. Otherwise planning permission will be required. We recommend that you discuss this requirement with your registered contractor.

To find out more download A Homeowner’s Guide To Solar Thermal For Hot Water.

 

Before you apply

Please ensure you are familiar with your comprehensive Homeowner Application Guide to Applying For and Claiming Cash Grants with Terms and Conditions.

How to apply

​Find out about the application process if you are applying and managing the upgrade yourself.

Grant application process

Compare upgrade options

There are a number of ways to plan and manage your home energy upgrade and grant applications. Compare the options to see what works for you.

  • Individual Energy Upgrade Grants

    (Comprising Better Energy Homes and Solar PV schemes)

    Selection of individual grants for home energy upgrades

    Part funded with SEAI grants

    Homeowners manage their upgrades including:

    • contractor selection
    • grant application
    • contractor works
    • follow up BER

    Who this is for

    • homeowners and private landlords
  • One Stop Shop Service

    A complete home energy upgrade solution

    Part funded with SEAI grants

    Managed by a One Stop Shop including:

    • home energy assessment
    • grant application
    • project management
    • contractor works
    • follow up BER

    Who this is for

    • homeowners and private landlords
  • Fully Funded Energy Upgrade

    (Comprising Warmer Homes)

    For qualifying homeowners

    Fully funded by SEAI

    Managed by SEAI and includes:

    • home survey
    • contractor selection
    • contractor works
    • follow up BER

    Who this is for

    • qualifying homeowners in receipt of certain welfare benefits

Plan your home energy upgrade

Your home energy upgrade journey should be done in 3 steps. Following this process gives you the best results for your investment at every stage.

3 steps to a warmer home

Contact us

Call: 01808 2004
Email: info@seai.ie