Heat pumps, solar and insulation: SEAI grants explained for 2026
2026 brought the biggest change to home energy grants in Ireland for several years. From 3 February 2026 the heat pump grant for houses almost doubled, and several insulation grants went up. More changes followed in March, including standalone grants for windows and doors.
This guide explains the main SEAI grants for homeowners, who can apply, and how to plan the work in a sensible order. Grant amounts change, so always confirm on seai.ie before you sign anything.
The three ways to get SEAI support
Individual Energy Upgrade Grants
You choose the measures, hire SEAI-registered contractors yourself, apply for grant approval before work starts, and claim the grant after completion. This suits homeowners doing one or two upgrades at a time.
One Stop Shop (National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme)
A single registered provider surveys your home, designs a full upgrade, manages the work and applies for the grants. The grant is deducted from your bill. The aim is a BER of B2 or better after the works. This suits deep retrofits.
Warmer Homes Scheme
Free upgrades for homeowners on certain social welfare payments, such as Fuel Allowance, in homes built and occupied before 2006. Waiting times can be long.
Heat pump grant 2026
From 3 February 2026, the heat pump grant for a house can reach €12,500, made up of:
Heat pump system: up to €6,500
Central heating upgrades (radiators or underfloor heating): up to €2,000
Renewable Heat Bonus: €4,000 when you replace an existing oil, gas, solid fuel or electric storage heating system
Apartments have a lower maximum, reported at around €9,500, and air-to-air heat pumps have a lower grant.
Conditions to know
The home must have been built and occupied before 2021
Homes built before 2007 generally need a technical assessment first, to confirm the house is well enough insulated for a heat pump
The technical assessment is carried out by an SEAI-registered technical advisor, and a grant of €200 towards it is available
You must get grant approval before work starts and use an SEAI-registered installer
What a heat pump typically costs
Irish price guides have put a typical air-source heat pump installation for an average home at roughly €10,000–€15,000 before grants, with more for larger homes or full radiator replacements. With the 2026 grant, the net cost for many households is much lower than it was in 2025.
Solar PV grant 2026
The solar PV grant remains at up to €1,800 in 2026. It is worked out per kilowatt peak (kWp):
€700 per kWp for the first 2 kWp
€200 per kWp from 2 to 4 kWp
Nothing extra for capacity over 4 kWp
Key points:
The home must have been built and occupied before 2021
Use an SEAI-registered installer and get approval before work starts
Works must be completed within eight months of approval
Panels supplied and fitted together are generally zero-rated for VAT
A typical home system of about 4 kWp has been quoted at roughly €3,500–€6,000 after grant and VAT savings. Batteries typically add about €3,000–€7,000. Sources disagree on whether a separate battery grant is available in 2026, so check with SEAI.
Rooftop solar panels on houses are generally exempt from planning permission, subject to conditions such as distance from the roof edge and restrictions on protected structures.
Insulation grants 2026
Insulation is usually the first step, because a warm, airtight house needs a smaller heating system. Individual grant amounts reported for 2026 are:
Attic insulation
Apartment €800, mid-terrace €1,200, semi-detached or end of terrace €1,300, detached €2,000
Cavity wall insulation
Apartment €700, mid-terrace €800, semi-detached or end of terrace €1,200, detached €1,800
Internal wall insulation (dry lining)
Apartment €1,500, mid-terrace €2,000, semi-detached or end of terrace €3,500, detached €4,500
External wall insulation
Apartment and mid-terrace €3,000, semi-detached or end of terrace €6,000, detached €8,000
From 3 March 2026, welfare recipients and first-time buyers can get a flat €2,500 for attic insulation, and welfare recipients a flat €2,300 for cavity wall insulation.
For individual insulation grants, the home generally must have been built and occupied before 2011.
Windows, doors and controls
Since 3 March 2026 windows and external doors can be claimed as standalone individual grants:
Windows: from about €1,500 for an apartment to €4,000 for a detached house
External doors: €800 per door, up to two doors
Heating controls: €700
Paying the balance: the Home Energy Upgrade Loan
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme offers lower-interest loans of €5,000 to €75,000 through participating banks and credit unions, over up to 10 years. You need an eligible SEAI grant for the planned works.
A sensible order for upgrades
Get a BER and advice first, so you know where the heat is going
Insulate and draught-proof the attic, walls and floors
Upgrade windows and doors where they are poor
Add ventilation, as a tighter house needs controlled fresh air
Install the heat pump, sized for the improved house
Add solar PV to cut running costs further
FAQ
Can I get the €12,500 heat pump grant on a new build?
No. The individual heat pump grant applies to homes built and occupied before 2021. New homes must already meet NZEB standards, which usually means a heat pump is part of the build.
Do I need to apply before the work starts?
Yes. For individual grants you must have SEAI approval before work begins. Work started before approval is generally not eligible.
Can I combine grants?
Yes. You can claim several individual grants on the same home, or use the One Stop Shop route for a full package. You cannot claim the same measure twice on the same home.
Plan your upgrade with others who have done it
Have questions about heat pumps, solar or which insulation suits your house? Ask in the Sustainability & energy section of the Archizone forum. When you are ready for quotes, browse solar, heat pump and insulation suppliers on Archizone and contact them directly, then check they are SEAI-registered before you sign.
Archizone Team
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