The SEAI home energy grant scheme is one of the most generous in Europe — but not every home and not every application qualifies. Here's a complete guide to eligibility for 2026.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for any SEAI home energy grant, the following must apply:
- The home was built and occupied before 2011
- You are the homeowner (not a tenant or landlord)
- The property is your primary residence
- Work is carried out by an SEAI registered contractor
- You have not previously claimed the same grant for the same measure
2026 SEAI Grant Amounts
| Measure | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Air to Water Heat Pump | €12,500 |
| Ground to Water Heat Pump | €12,500 |
| Heating Controls Upgrade | €700 |
| Solar Thermal | €1,200 |
| Solar PV | €1,800 |
| External Wall Insulation | €8,000 |
| Attic Insulation | €1,500 |
| Deep Retrofit | Up to €50,000 |
Heat Pump Specific Requirements
For the heat pump grant specifically, additional requirements apply:
- The home must meet minimum insulation standards — typically 100mm attic insulation and cavity wall or external insulation
- A BER (Building Energy Rating) assessment must be carried out pre and post works
- The heat pump must be from an SEAI approved product list
- The system must be designed and sized correctly by a qualified engineer
💡 If your home doesn't yet meet the insulation requirements, you can apply for insulation grants first — then apply for the heat pump grant once the insulation is in place.
Can Landlords Claim SEAI Grants?
Standard SEAI home energy grants are not available to landlords for rental properties. However, there are separate SEAI schemes for landlords and social housing — the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme and the SEAI Community Energy Grant scheme. These have different eligibility criteria and application processes.
What Happens if My Home is Post-2011?
Homes built after 2011 are generally not eligible for SEAI energy grants, as they were built to higher energy standards. However, if you're unsure of your build date, it's worth checking — some homes registered after 2011 were actually built earlier.
How Does the Application Process Work?
- Contact an SEAI registered contractor for a survey and quote
- The contractor submits the grant application to SEAI on your behalf
- SEAI approves the application (typically 2–4 weeks)
- Work is carried out after approval
- SEAI pays the grant directly to the contractor
- You pay the contractor only the balance
Are You a Heat Pump Installer?
SEAI Leads helps SEAI registered installers get more grant-related enquiries. Grant-optimised websites and Google Ads for Irish contractors.
See How It Works →