Are you looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient? If so, you may be eligible for one of the many energy grants available in Ireland.

In this article, we provide an overview of the different types of energy grants available and why you need to consider solar power for your home.

Let’s start by taking a look at solar energy and its benefits.

 

What are the benefits of using solar energy?

 

Solar power is in the spotlight now more so than ever before.

The world continues to shift towards renewable energy as the goal to lower our carbon footprint and to generally do more good for the environment has become increasingly popular. And solar power is an excellent option for most people to do just that, while also helping to protect against rising energy costs.

Using solar power is not only good for adding value to your property or saving on your electricity bills, but for many, it’s also simply the right thing to do.

A world without solar power is a very dark world indeed.

That said, here are some of the key benefits of using solar panels:

 

Solar panels reduce your energy bills

 

Solar panels can help you save money on your energy bills by offsetting the cost of energy that you would otherwise have to purchase from your utility company. Solar power can soften the effects of rising inflation and the potential of a pending energy crisis.

In some cases, solar panels produce more electricity than you need. When this happens, you can sell the excess electricity back to the grid.

This is recorded by your smart meter and the amount of power you take from the grid and send back to the grid is sent to your electricity provider. It’s a great way to earn money back on your solar investment – though it may require some time before you can make a profit from it.

 

Solar panels increase the value of your property

 

Solar panels can increase the value of your home by making it more energy efficient. This is especially true if you live in an area with high energy costs, as solar panels can help offset those costs.

 

What Energy Grants Are Available In Ireland - Alternative Energy Ireland (4)

 

Solar panels reduce your carbon footprint

 

Solar panels don’t produce emissions, so they’re a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. So if you’re looking for ways to do your part and shrink your carbon footprint, solar panels are an excellent option.

 

Solar panels are a low-maintenance technology

 

Once you’ve installed solar panels, they require very little maintenance. The only thing you need to do is keep them clean and free of debris and have them inspected by a professional every so often.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the benefits of solar power, let’s look at the different types of solar grants available in Ireland.

 

What energy grants are available in Ireland?

 

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers three different types of grants to homeowners and landlords who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes:

 

  • The Better Energy Homes Scheme
  • The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, and
  • The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme

 

The Better Energy Homes Scheme

 

The Better Energy Homes Scheme provides funding for certain energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulation and draught-proofing. Homeowners and landlords can manage the process themselves, with guidance from SEAI-approved contractors.

Under this scheme, you can get a grant for

 

  • Attic insulation
  • Wall insulation (cavity wall, internal dry lining and external insulation)
  • Heating controls upgrade
  • Solar thermal solutions
  • Solar PV panels
  • Heat pump systems (plus a technical assessment)
  • A Building Energy Rating (BER) after the work is carried out

 

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme

 

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is designed for people on low incomes who want to make their homes more energy efficient. It provides free home energy upgrades, such as insulation, lighting and draught-proofing.

The scheme covers

 

  • Attic insulation
  • Wall insulation (cavity wall, internal wall and external wall insulation)
  • Draught-proofing
  • Lagging jackets
  • Energy-efficient lighting
  • Energy advice

 

New central heating systems and replacement windows are also occasionally covered by the scheme on a case-by-case basis. Windows are only replaced if the walls are being insulated at the same time and the existing windows are single-glazed.

 

The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme

 

The new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is open to homeowners, landlords, and approved housing bodies (AHBs) to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home. It offers funds towards the cost of upgrading a home to a BER rating of B2 or above. A private company must be used to carry out the work under this scheme.

Under this scheme, you can get grants for

 

  • Attic insulation
  • Rafter insulation
  • Wall insulation – including cavity wall, internal dry lining and external insulation
  • Floor insulation
  • Heating controls
  • Solar thermal solutions (solar hot water)
  • Solar PV panels
  • Heat pump systems and central heating system for heat pump
  • New windows
  • New external doors
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Airtightness
  • Home energy assessment
  • Project management

 

Why you should consider solar energy for your home renovation

 

Your home is your most important asset, so when it comes time to renovate, you want to be sure that you are making the best decisions for your property – and your wallet. Solar energy should be one of the first choices you consider when you are looking to do a home renovation because of the many benefits it offers.

You should consider going solar before you commence a home renovation project, not during or after. This way, your builder can factor this in right from the beginning.

By including solar power in your original plans, your builder will be able to help ensure maximum efficiency and financial benefit, and of course, that any solar panels installed are aesthetically pleasing.

 

How to get started with energy grants in Ireland

 

If you’re interested in getting started with energy grants in Ireland, the first step is to contact the SEAI.

On their website, you simply follow the steps which will help guide you through the process to determine which grant(s) you may be eligible for and how to apply.

The SEAI offers several different grants, so you must find the one that best suits your needs. If you’re not sure which grant is right for you, the team at SEAI can help you figure that out.

Once you’ve decided which grant to apply for, they will provide you with all the information you need to get started.

 

What Energy Grants Are Available In Ireland - Alternative Energy Ireland (5)

 

Alternative Energy Ireland – your provider of domestic solar panels

 

As an Irish-owned renewable energy company, Alternative Energy Ireland understands the importance of solar power for Ireland’s future.

We have helped thousands of homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint, save on electricity costs, and add more value to their homes by embracing renewable energy.

Alternative Energy Ireland sets itself apart from other solar providers through the expertise, workmanship and customer care delivered by our experienced team.

Get in touch with us today to enquire about renewal energy solutions for your home, and don’t forget to also check out our blog for the latest trends and developments in the world of solar energy.