The Five Funding Sources
There are at least five distinct funding mechanisms available for home energy upgrades in Ireland. Most homeowners only use one or two. Combining all applicable sources can reduce your out-of-pocket cost by 60–80%.
1. SEAI Grants (the main one)
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland offers grants for individual measures and for whole-house upgrades through One Stop Shops. You can claim grants for multiple measures on the same property.
| Measure | Max Grant (Individual) | Max Grant (OSS) |
|---|---|---|
| Attic insulation | €2,000–2,500 | Higher within package |
| Cavity wall insulation | €1,800–2,300 | Higher within package |
| External wall insulation | €3,000–6,000 | €4,500–8,000 |
| Heat pump system | Up to €12,500 | Up to €12,500 |
| Solar PV | Up to €1,800 | Up to €1,800 |
| Windows | Up to €4,000 | Within package |
| Doors (max 2) | Up to €1,600 | Within package |
| Heating controls | €700 | Within package |
A homeowner doing insulation, heat pump, solar, and windows could receive €25,000–30,000+ in SEAI grants alone. Use our grant calculator to check your specific entitlements.
2. Energy Supplier Credits (EEOS)
Under the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme, large energy suppliers must support energy efficiency projects. They do this by offering cash credits (€500–2,000) to homeowners who complete qualifying upgrades. These credits are separate from and additional to SEAI grants.
Obligated suppliers include Bord Gáis Energy, Electric Ireland, Energia, Flogas, PrePayPower, and SSE Airtricity. Contact your energy supplier before starting work to check what credits they offer. You don't have to use your own supplier.
3. Landlord Tax Relief (Section 97B)
Landlords can deduct the cost of energy upgrade works (net of SEAI grants) from their rental income, up to €10,000 per property. This applies to works carried out from 2023 to 2028, with a maximum of three properties from 2026 onwards.
Example: A landlord spends €18,000 on a heat pump and insulation. SEAI grants cover €12,500. The remaining €5,500 can be deducted from rental income, saving approximately €2,200 in tax (at the 40% marginal rate). See our landlord guide for full details.
4. Green Loans (Low-Interest Financing)
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme offers rates from 2.99% APR, well below standard personal loan rates. Borrow €5,000 to €75,000 over up to 10 years. Available from AIB, PTSB, Bank of Ireland, Avant Money, and participating credit unions.
The loan covers whatever the grants don't. Monthly repayments on a €15,000 loan at 2.99% over 10 years are approximately €145 per month, which for many homeowners is less than their previous oil bill. Full loan guide here.
5. VAT Reductions
- Solar panels: 0% VAT on supply and installation (since May 2023). This saves approximately €1,000–1,500 on a typical installation.
- Heat pumps: 9% VAT (reduced from the standard 23% rate since January 2025). Saves approximately €500–1,000.
Worked Example: 3-Bed Semi Full Retrofit
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total works (insulation + heat pump + solar + windows) | €45,000 |
| Less: SEAI grants | −25,000 |
| Less: Energy supplier credit | −1,500 |
| Less: 0% VAT saving on solar | −1,200 |
| Less: Reduced VAT on heat pump | −800 |
| Net cost to homeowner | €16,500 |
| Financed via green loan at 2.99%/10yr | €160/month |
| Annual energy savings | €1,500–2,000 |
In this example, the homeowner's monthly loan repayment (€160) is comparable to or less than the monthly energy savings. The upgrade is effectively cost-neutral from day one.
A BER assessment is the roadmap for your grant strategy. It tells you which measures qualify for grants, what your HLI is (needed for windows/doors and heat pump grants), and what will deliver the biggest improvement. Book a BER with Homerating.ie →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can claim attic insulation, wall insulation, heat pump, solar PV, windows, doors, heating controls, and BER assessment grants all on the same property. Each measure has its own separate grant.
No. Energy supplier credits (EEOS) are separate from SEAI grants. You can receive both on the same project. Contact your supplier before starting work.
Yes. Landlords can claim SEAI grants AND deduct the remaining cost (net of grants) from rental income under Section 97B, up to €10,000 per property per year.