1. Do Not Start Work Until You Have Written Approval
This is the most critical rule. You must apply to SEAI and receive your Letter of Offer before any work begins. If you start installation before approval, you will not receive the grant .
2. You Have 8 Months to Complete the Work
Once you receive your Letter of Offer, the clock starts. You have 8 months to complete the installation and submit all required documentation to SEAI .
3. Use Only SEAI-Registered Contractors
You cannot use any installer. The company must be on SEAI’s official register. If you use an unregistered contractor, you lose all grant eligibility .
4. Get Multiple Quotes and a Written Contract
SEAI strongly recommends getting at least three quotes from registered installers. You should also have a written contract in place before any work starts, detailing the works, price, timeline, payment terms, and warranties .
5. You Need a Post-Works BER Certificate
After the installation is complete, you must get a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment done. The BER certificate must be published on the National BER Register. Without this, your grant claim will be rejected .
6. Your Installer Must Submit the NC6 Form to ESB Networks
Before or during the installation, your installer must submit the NC6 form to ESB Networks to register your system for grid connection. This is a separate requirement from the SEAI grant, but it is essential for the grant process .
7. Check for Previous Grant Funding on Your MPRN
If your property’s MPRN has already received SEAI solar PV funding, you cannot apply again for the PV grant. The battery grant has separate criteria (no prior battery funding) .
8. Home Must Be Built and Occupied Before 2025
The enhanced DSP grant scheme applies to homes built and occupied before 2025. This is a change from the standard grant, which required pre-2021 .
9. Consider Insulation First
SEAI recommends insulating your home before installing solar panels. Insulation is the easiest way to reduce energy costs, and it may make your solar system more effective. You can apply for separate insulation grants alongside your solar grant .
10. Planning Permission May Be Required
Most homes do not need planning permission for rooftop solar. However, if your home is a protected structure or in an architectural conservation area, you should check with your local authority first .
11. The Grant Is Paid After Completion (Not Upfront)
Unlike some schemes where the grant is deducted upfront, the enhanced DSP grant is paid after the work is completed and all documentation is submitted. You will need to pay your installer first, then claim the grant back from SEAI .
12. SEAI May Inspect Your Installation
SEAI carries out physical inspections on a sample basis. If your installation is selected and issues are found, your contractor must return to rectify them before grant payment is released .
Quick Pre-Application Checklist
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Confirmed you receive a qualifying DSP payment | ☐ |
| Confirmed home was built and occupied before 2025 | ☐ |
| Confirmed no previous PV grant on your MPRN | ☐ |
| Got quotes from at least 3 SEAI-registered installers | ☐ |
| Signed a written contract with your chosen installer | ☐ |
| Applied to SEAI and received Letter of Offer | ☐ |
| Confirmed installer will submit NC6 to ESB Networks | ☐ |
| Understood grant is paid after completion | ☐ |
| Planned for post-works BER assessment | ☐ |
