A significant increase in SEAI grant support for solar photovoltaic (PV) will help bridge the funding gap for farmers who are no longer eligible for solar support under Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS).

From 6 October (Monday), support under the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG) has increased from approximately 23% to an effective 45% of eligible solar-PV-installation costs.

Farm businesses are eligible for the scheme, making the enhanced grant an alternative following changes to the solar PV measure under TAMS.

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The higher NDMG rate will be available for nine months to 6 July, 2027.

TAMS changes leave funding gap

Solar PV was one of the most popular investments supported under TAMS, offering eligible farmers grant aid of up to 60% for solar PV systems and battery storage.

However, changes introduced by the Department of Agriculture significantly restricted the number of farmers who can now qualify, with only around 10% of applications successful.

Industry groups have raised concerns about the impact of the revised criteria, with a large proportion of applications now being rejected. The changes have left farmers, who had been planning solar investments, looking for alternative sources of grant support. The increase in the SEAI's NDMG to an effective 45% rate will, therefore, be welcomed by the sector.

However, there is an important difference between the two schemes: while TAMS provided support for both solar PV and battery storage, the NDMG supports solar PV but does not provide a battery-storage grant for businesses.

That means the enhanced SEAI grant does not fully replace the support previously available through TAMS. Farmers wishing to include battery storage in their installation will not receive the same grant support for that element under the NDMG.

The scheme is available for solar PV systems up to a maximum of 1,000kWp, allowing it to support everything from relatively small farm installations to much-larger commercial projects.

45% rate available for nine months

The higher support is available only for new applications made from 6 October, 2026.

Existing applications will not be boosted to the new rate as grandfathering is not permitted under State aid rules. Where an applicant has already commenced work based on an existing grant offer, they cannot subsequently apply for the higher amount.

Farmers considering an installation should, therefore, establish their eligibility and secure the appropriate grant approval before beginning work.

Unless the enhanced rate is extended, applications seeking the higher level of support must be made by 6 July next year.

Solar industry welcomes increased support

Solar Ireland has welcomed the increase in support for businesses as part of the Government's wider package of solar and energy measures.

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said there is “enormous untapped potential for rooftop solar” across homes, commercial buildings, farms, schools and public buildings.

He said the increased support for business solar was particularly welcome, adding that onsite generation can give businesses greater control over energy costs, reduce their exposure to electricity-price volatility and improve competitiveness.