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Solar water heating grant 2026

Solar water heating — solar thermal — uses roof panels to heat your hot water directly from the sun, cutting the energy your boiler or immersion needs, especially in summer.

Upgrade	Apartment	Mid-terrace	Semi-D / end	Detached
Solar water heating	€1,200	€1,200	€1,200	€1,200

Standard 2026 SEAI rates, by dwelling type. Amounts are for guidance — confirm current figures with SEAI or your installer.

How the solar water heating grant works

The grant is a flat €1,200 for a qualifying solar thermal system installed by an SEAI-registered contractor. It's a different technology to solar PV: thermal heats water, PV makes electricity — and you can grant-aid both, though not for the same roof space if it can't take them.

Am I eligible?

Your home must have been built and occupied before 2021, use an SEAI-registered installer, and have a BER assessment carried out after the work.

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Questions

Solar water heating grant, answered

How much is the solar water heating grant? +

A flat €1,200 for a qualifying solar thermal system.

What's the difference between solar water heating and solar PV? +

Solar water heating (thermal) heats your hot water; solar PV generates electricity. They're separate grants — €1,200 and up to €1,800 respectively.

Is solar thermal or solar PV better? +

Most homeowners now choose solar PV for its flexibility, but solar thermal can be very effective if you use a lot of hot water. An installer can advise on your roof and usage.