SEAI Better Energy Homes Grant
Up to €50,000 to upgrade your home's energy efficiency. Insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, windows, doors and more — funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
Last verified October 2026 against the official source ↗.
What is the SEAI Better Energy Homes Grant?
The SEAI Better Energy Homes (BEH) grant is Ireland's primary residential energy retrofit programme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It provides substantial grants to homeowners to improve their home's energy efficiency, reduce heating bills, and lower carbon emissions.
In 2026, the scheme covers a wide range of energy upgrade measures and has been expanded significantly in both scope and grant amounts. Homeowners can combine multiple measures in a single application and access the One Stop Shop service for full project management.
How much can I get?
Grant amounts vary depending on the measures installed. Here are the key 2026 rates:
- Heat pump system: Up to €6,500
- Wall insulation (external dry lining): Up to €8,000
- Wall insulation (cavity fill): Up to €1,700
- Attic/roof insulation: Up to €3,000
- Solar PV (panels): Up to €1,800
- Solar thermal (hot water): Up to €1,200
- Windows and doors: Up to €1,500
- Heating controls: Up to €700
- One Stop Shop (full project): Up to €50,000 (30–50% of project costs)
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the SEAI Better Energy Homes grant in 2026, your property must:
- Have been built and occupied before 2011
- Be your principal private residence (owner-occupied)
- Be a domestic property (houses and apartments)
Works must be carried out by an SEAI-registered contractor. You cannot use a contractor who is not on the SEAI register. A registered energy assessor must also carry out a BER assessment before and after works are complete to verify the improvement achieved.
What is the One Stop Shop service?
The SEAI One Stop Shop is a premium service where a registered provider manages your entire home energy upgrade project from start to finish — energy assessment, contractor coordination, grant application, and BER certification. This service is eligible for higher grants (up to 50% of project costs, maximum €50,000) and is particularly suited to whole-home retrofits aiming for a BER rating of B2 or better.
How to apply
- Get a pre-works BER assessment from an SEAI-registered energy assessor
- Choose an SEAI-registered contractor for each measure
- Apply online at seai.ie (or through a One Stop Shop provider)
- Complete the works
- Get a post-works BER assessment
- Submit completion documents and receive payment
Grants are typically paid within 4–12 weeks of a successful claim submission after works are completed and verified.
Can I combine this with other grants?
Yes. The SEAI Better Energy Homes grant is stackable with the Home Energy Upgrade Loan (a low-interest government-backed loan to cover costs not met by grants). It can also be combined with the Croí Cónaithe vacant property grant if you are upgrading a formerly vacant property.
Common reasons for rejection
- Works started before approval. The single most common reason — you must have grant approval in writing before any works begin.
- A non-registered contractor was used. Only SEAI-registered contractors qualify; work by others is not covered.
- Property built or occupied too recently. The home must have been built and occupied before 2011 (before 2021 for heat pump and solar).
- Not the principal private residence, or a non-domestic property.
- Missing BER assessment. A registered assessor must complete a pre-works and post-works BER.
Is your home eligible for the SEAI grant?
Enter your address and we'll check your BER rating, build year, and all available SEAI schemes for your property.
Check My Property →Frequently asked questions
Can I claim the grant if I've already done the work?
No. Works must be approved and contracted before starting. Retrospective grants are not available — you must apply and receive approval before any works begin.
Does the grant cover rental properties?
The standard Better Energy Homes grant is for owner-occupied homes only. SEAI does offer a separate Better Energy Communities programme for rental and community properties. Check the SEAI website for current details.
What BER rating do I need to qualify?
There is no minimum BER requirement to apply, but your home must benefit from the works. The One Stop Shop service requires the property to achieve a minimum BER of B2 to qualify for the enhanced grant rates.