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Solar Water Heating Grant (Solar Thermal)

SEAI offers a grant towards solar water heating, also called solar thermal, which uses roof panels to heat your hot water. It's different from solar PV panels, which generate electricity. You need approval before installation.

  • Grant towards solar thermal panels
  • Heats your hot water
  • Different from solar PV
  • Approval needed first
Get free quotes Call 083 056 8710

Last checked: October 2026. Official source: SEAI Home Energy Grants. Emergency Trade is independent and not part of SEAI or any council. Always confirm details with the official source before applying.

How much is the grant?

SEAI has offered €1,200 towards solar water heating systems. Check the current amount on SEAI's website before you apply, as amounts are reviewed.

Solar thermal or solar PV?

Solar thermalSolar PV
What it doesHeats water directlyGenerates electricity
Best forHomes with high hot water use and a suitable cylinderMost homes; can also power a heat pump or immersion
GrantSolar thermal grantUp to €1,800

Many homeowners now choose solar PV, because the electricity can be used for anything, including heating water.

How to apply

  1. Get quotes from SEAI-registered installers.
  2. Apply online and wait for approval.
  3. Have the system installed.
  4. Submit your paperwork, including a post-works BER if required.

Frequently asked questions

What is solar thermal?

Roof panels that use the sun's heat to warm your hot water, usually feeding a special cylinder.

Is solar thermal better than solar PV?

It depends on your home. Solar PV is more flexible because the electricity can be used for anything, including heating water.

Do I need a new hot water cylinder?

Often, yes, as solar thermal usually needs a cylinder with a solar coil.

Do I need approval first?

Yes. Installation started before approval usually can't be funded.

Find vetted contractors for this work

By area:

  • Dublin North Coast: Raheny, Baldoyle, Donaghmede, Howth, Sutton, Portmarnock, Malahide
  • Dublin 15: Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Mulhuddart, Ongar, Hansfield, Ashtown
  • North Dublin City: Artane, Cabra, Clontarf, Coolock, Drumcondra, East Wall, Fairview, Glasnevin, Phibsborough, Stoneybatter
  • South Dublin City: Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Sandymount, Ranelagh, Rathgar, Harold's Cross, Churchtown, Dundrum
  • Dún Laoghaire & South Coast: Blackrock, Booterstown, Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney
  • North County Dublin: Swords, Lusk, Rush, Skerries
  • Stillorgan, Sandyford & Foxrock: Mount Merrion, Stillorgan, Goatstown, Sandyford, Cherrywood, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Deansgrange
  • West Dublin & Leixlip: Chapelizod, Palmerstown, Lucan, Leixlip, Adamstown, Clondalkin
  • South West Dublin: Tallaght, Citywest, Firhouse, Knocklyon, Ballyboden, Templeogue, Walkinstown, Kimmage, Rathfarnham, Terenure

Get free quotes from vetted contractors

Tell us what you're planning, where the property is and when you'd like to start. We'll match you with a vetted local contractor. For anything urgent, call 083 056 8710.

Which upgrades are you interested in? (tick all that apply)

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Current BER, if you know it

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For anything urgent, call 083 056 8710.