Updated March 2026 · SEAI Verified Rates
SEAI Grants Ireland 2026
Every Grant Available Right Now
The average Irish homeowner leaves €8,400 in unclaimed grants on the table. In 2026, SEAI is offering up to €35,000 per home for energy upgrades. Here's the complete picture.
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What the grants are worth in 2026
€12,500
Heat pump
€8,000
Wall insulation
€1,800
Solar PV
€35,000
Deep retrofit
Complete SEAI Better Energy Homes grant table
All amounts below are maximum grants. Your exact amount depends on home size and energy type. Private homes built before 2011 are eligible.
| Upgrade | Max grant |
|---|---|
| Heat pump (air-to-water) | €6,500 |
| Heat pump central heating upgrade | €2,000 |
| Heat pump bonus (from D1 or below) | €4,000 |
| External wall insulation | €8,000 |
| Cavity wall insulation | €1,700 |
| Attic insulation | €2,000 |
| Rafter insulation | €3,000 |
| Floor insulation | €3,500 |
| Solar PV (up to 6kWp) | €1,800 |
| Heat pump water heater | €700 |
| Solar thermal (water heating) | €1,200 |
| Heating controls upgrade | €700 |
| Deep retrofit (One Stop Shop) | Up to €35,000 |
Source: SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme, March 2026. Costs and savings are estimates and vary by home and contractor.
Find out which grants your home qualifies for
Answer 6 quick questions about your home and we'll show your exact grant entitlement — free, no signup required.
Start your free home checkHow to apply for SEAI grants in 2026
- 1
Check your eligibility
Your home must have been built and occupied before 2011. It must be your principal private residence (landlords use a separate scheme). Use our free checker to confirm in 2 minutes.
- 2
Choose an SEAI-registered contractor
You must use a contractor registered with SEAI for the specific grant — a regular builder will not do. SEAI maintains a list at seai.ie. RetrofitReady's contractor directory also shows verified local contractors in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and across Ireland.
- 3
Get a BER assessment (if needed)
For heat pumps and the deep retrofit pathway, a pre-works BER assessment by an SEAI-registered assessor is required. Cost is typically €150–€250. Some contractors include this in their quote.
- 4
Complete the works
Works must be completed before you apply for the grant. Keep all invoices and receipts from your SEAI-registered contractor.
- 5
Submit your SEAI application
Apply online at seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/. SEAI pays the grant directly to you within 4–6 weeks of approval. Some contractors offer grant-assisted pricing and handle the application on your behalf.
Real Irish homeowner examples
Semi-D in Kildare, built 1990
Starting BER D1
Upgrades: Attic insulation + cavity wall + heat pump
Total grants
€10,200
Annual saving
€1,100/yr
Payback: 7 years after grants
Terrace in Cork city, built 1975
Starting BER E2
Upgrades: External wall insulation + heating controls
Total grants
€8,700
Annual saving
€750/yr
Payback: 9 years after grants
Bungalow in Roscommon, built 1985
Starting BER E1
Upgrades: Floor + attic + solar PV + heat pump
Total grants
€17,000
Annual saving
€1,600/yr
Payback: 8 years after grants
Detached 4-bed, Dublin suburbs, 1998
Starting BER D2
Upgrades: One Stop Shop deep retrofit to B2
Total grants
€25,000
Annual saving
€2,000/yr
Payback: 10 years after grants
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission to get SEAI grants?
Most insulation and heating upgrades do not require planning permission as they are considered exempt development. External wall insulation (EWI) on protected structures or in architectural conservation areas may need permission — your contractor can advise.
Can I combine multiple SEAI grants?
Yes. You can combine Better Energy Homes grants — for example, attic insulation, cavity wall, and a heat pump in the same application. The One Stop Shop pathway for deep retrofits bundles all upgrades and offers higher combined grants of up to €35,000.
Can landlords get SEAI grants?
Yes, through the separate Better Energy Communities scheme and the Landlord Grant Scheme. Grants are available up to €15,000 per rental property. From 2025, landlords face minimum BER requirements (D1) for new tenancies, making upgrades financially urgent.
How long does SEAI grant approval take?
SEAI typically pays grants within 4–6 weeks of receiving a complete application. Processing times can be longer during busy periods (January–March). Some SEAI-registered contractors offer grant-assisted pricing, meaning you pay the net cost upfront and they handle the claim.
Is the €12,500 heat pump grant taxable?
No. SEAI energy grants are not considered income and are not subject to income tax, USC or PRSI.
What if I already did works before finding out about grants?
Unfortunately SEAI grants require pre-approval — you cannot claim retrospectively for completed works. However, you may still qualify for other upgrades not yet done. Use our checker to see what's left available for your home.
See your exact grant entitlement now
2 minutes. No signup. We show you every euro your home qualifies for under the 2026 SEAI scheme.
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