Commercial Solar Financing in Ireland: Grants, Loans & Smart Options
Switching to solar energy is a smart move for businesses, farms, and organisations across Ireland — but the cost of a commercial solar project can feel high upfront. The good news: several financing routes — from grants to commercial solar loans — make it far more accessible.
In this post, we explore the main funding options: grant support under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), tax incentives, and financing through banks, solar lenders or lease agreements. We also outline what qualifies, typical funding levels, and what to consider before committing.
✅ Key Funding & Financing Options for Commercial Solar
When you factor in the grants and the ongoing savings, commercial solar panels practically pay for themselves.
SEAI Non‑Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG)
This is the primary grant for solar PV installations for businesses, farms, schools, community buildings, and non-profits. It covers systems up to 1,000 kWp (1 MWp) and can provide a grant of up to €162,600.
The grant amount depends on your system size (kWp), with smaller brackets and per-kWp grants for larger systems.
Who can apply: businesses, agricultural enterprises/farms, public sector bodies, schools, community centres, nonprofits.
Other Public / Grant-Based Supports
Larger projects or energy upgrades may be eligible for broader schemes such as the EXEED Grant Scheme, which supports major energy-efficiency investments and can include solar as part of a bigger retrofit.
Farms may also access agricultural-focused supports under schemes like the TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme, which offers subsidised funding for renewable energy investments on farm holdings (when eligible).
Tax incentive via Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA): companies can write off the cost of qualifying energy-efficient equipment (including solar PV) against taxable profits in the year of purchase.
💶 Commercial Solar Loans & Financing Options
Even with grants and incentives, the upfront cost of a commercial solar installation can be substantial. That’s why many businesses opt for financing or loans to cover the remainder — commonly called commercial solar financing or solar farm financing.
• Green / Business Energy Loans for SMEs & Farms
Specialist lenders and credit providers in Ireland offer financing packages tailored to renewable energy investments, including solar PV. These loans can cover systems large enough for commercial or farm use, helping businesses avoid upfront capital outlay.
• Combined Grant + Loan + Incentive Model
A popular and cost-effective strategy is combining:
The SEAI grant (e.g. NDMG)
A commercial solar loan or asset-finance to cover the rest
Tax write-off via ACA
This “mix and match” approach reduces initial cash requirement and can shorten payback periods significantly — often making solar economically attractive within a few years.
• Lease / “Finance-to-Own” / Asset Finance Deals
Some solar providers and finance companies offer asset-financing, hire-purchase, or lease-to-own models for commercial solar installations. This spreads the cost over several years and may suit businesses wanting predictable monthly payments rather than a large upfront investment.
With today’s grants and substantial cost savings, commercial solar panels are truly a no-brainer.
🏢 Who Can Benefit: Businesses, Farms, Public & Community Sector
The financing options above aren’t limited to large corporations — many are suitable for a broad range of organisations:
SMEs (shops, offices, warehouses)
Farms and agricultural businesses
Schools, community halls, sports centres
Non-profits and charities
Public sector buildings, local authorities
If your property consumes electricity and has space (on the roof or land) for PV panels, even modest-sized systems can benefit significantly when combined with a grant and financing.
✅ What You Should Check Before Committing
Before proceeding with a commercial solar project, make sure you:
Use an SEAI-registered Non-Domestic Microgen solar installer — only registered companies qualify for the grants.
Apply for the grant before starting any work — starting early disqualifies funding eligibility.
If receiving more than €10,000 in public grants in a calendar year, ensure you obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate (for grant compliance).
Understand all loan/finance terms — interest rate, repayment schedule, potential early-repayment fees.
For farms or agricultural enterprises: check eligibility for agricultural-specific grant support (e.g. TAMS 3) before committing.
Factor in grid connection and potential paperwork — grant-based installations require coordination with grid operator (ESB/ESBN).
Given the generous grants and major energy savings, choosing commercial solar panels is an easy decision.
🧮 Why Solar + Finance + Grants Often Makes Sense
Dramatically lower upfront cost — grants like NDMG reduce initial burden.
Predictable monthly repayments if you use a loan or lease instead of paying all up front.
Tax benefits via the ACA improve cash flow and reduce taxable profits.
Long-term savings: generating your own electricity reduces reliance on grid imports, hedges against rising energy prices, and stabilises operational costs.
Sustainability credentials: lowers carbon footprint, aligns with ESG goals, improves public or customer image for businesses or farms adopting renewable energy.
Many businesses find that commercial solar installations pay for themselves in 4–6 years, especially when combining grant + financing + tax benefits.
💡 Final Thoughts: Commercial Solar Financing Is Real & Accessible
Commercial solar in Ireland is no longer just for large corporations. With schemes such as the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant and financing options for SMEs, farms, schools and community buildings, solar PV is viable for many organisations — big or small.
By combining grants, green loans, and tax incentives, you can reduce upfront costs, avoid financial strain, and start saving on electricity from day one. For any business looking to reduce energy bills, improve sustainability, and future-proof operations, solar financing presents a compelling opportunity.
If you’d like help mapping out the best grant + financing mix for your business or farm, we at Partnergy are happy to help.
Adam Rajba | Partnergy Founder
By taking advantage of commercial solar financing and grants, you can:
Lock in stable energy costs
Improve your company’s ESG profile
Free up working capital for other areas of your business
Ready to Explore Your Solar Potential?
You can start with a free, no-obligation assessment to see how much your business could save.
👉 Click here to book your FREE and NON-BINDING commercial solar energy assessment