DUBLIN – The Irish Government has delivered a significant boost to the domestic renewable energy sector by confirming that the state grant for residential rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations will remain at its current level of €1,800 for the entirety of 2026.
The decision, announced by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, overturns previous expectations of a phased reduction in the grant under the Microgeneration Support Scheme. It was warmly welcomed by industry representatives, who view it as a critical move to sustain the momentum of the green energy transition and support households battling rising costs.
Certainty for Households and Industry
Industry lobby group Solar Ireland praised the decision, noting that maintaining the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant at the full €1,800 amount was one of their key recommendations for Budget 2026.
- Combating Energy Poverty: By keeping the financial barrier to entry low, the government aims to help thousands more families cut their energy bills and reduce their reliance on the national grid, particularly aiding households at risk of energy poverty.
- Quality Assurance: Solar Ireland CEO Ronan Power stated that this certainty “will keep solar affordable for households and maintain strong oversight” across the industry, ensuring installations remain within SEAI’s regulated quality framework.
- National Milestone: The news arrives as Ireland marks a major green energy milestone, having recently surpassed 2 GW of cumulative installed solar capacity nationwide, which includes over 155,000 rooftop installations on homes and businesses. This rapid growth positions solar energy as a cornerstone of Ireland’s target to source 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
The decision offers stability to installers and homeowners, driving the continued acceleration of solar adoption across the country.
