If somebody in your home runs equipment that keeps them alive, an electricity bill is not a lifestyle question. This scheme exists for exactly that household, and it is free rather than a grant towards the cost.
It is also one of the least-known supports in the country, partly because you are meant to be contacted rather than to apply — and that only works if your supplier has you on the right register.
Quick facts
- What you get
- A free solar PV system
- Who it is for
- People who depend on life-protecting electrical medical equipment
- You must be on
- The life support category of the Priority Services Register
- House built and occupied
- Before 1 January 2021
- How it starts
- Your energy provider contacts you
- Not this?
- The ordinary Solar Electricity Grant is up to €1,800
What the scheme is
"You may be able to get a free solar PV system if you are medically vulnerable."
"The Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers is for people who depend on life-protecting electrical medical equipment and technology. For example, a dialysis machine or respirator."
Note the word free. This is not the ordinary grant with a top-up — it is a different scheme, and the panels are provided rather than subsidised.
The two conditions
"You, or a member of your household must be registered with your electricity supplier in the life support category of the Priority Services Register"
"Your house must be built and occupied before 1 January 2021"
The first condition is the one to act on today. The Priority Services Register is free and you register through your electricity supplier. Plenty of households who would qualify have never been added to it — and if you are not on it, nothing else in this scheme can start.
You are meant to be contacted
"You will be contacted by your energy provider to see if you are interested in the scheme if:" you are registered in the life support category, and "Your energy provider is participating in the scheme".
Two ways that fails quietly. You are not on the register, so nobody knows to ring you. Or your provider is not in the scheme, in which case the call never comes no matter how eligible you are.
So if this applies to your household, ring your electricity supplier and ask two questions: am I in the life support category of the Priority Services Register, and are you participating in the Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers?
If you do not qualify for the free scheme
The ordinary Solar Electricity Grant is still there. "The maximum you can get is €1,800 depending on how many solar panels you install."
And the rule that applies to both routes and costs people the money: "You must apply for the grant and get a grant offer from the SEAI before you get your solar panels and start any work. When you get your grant offer, you must complete the work within 8 months."
Common questions
Who qualifies for free solar panels in Ireland?
The Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers is for people who depend on life-protecting electrical medical equipment and technology, such as a dialysis machine or respirator. You or a household member must be registered with your electricity supplier in the life support category of the Priority Services Register, and the house must have been built and occupied before 1 January 2021.
Do I apply for it myself?
Generally no. Your energy provider contacts you to see if you are interested, provided you are registered in the life support category and your provider is participating in the scheme. If you have not been contacted, ring your supplier and check both of those things.
What is the Priority Services Register?
A free register held by your electricity supplier for customers who need extra support, including a life support category for people who depend on electrically powered medical equipment. Being on it is the gateway to this scheme.
What if my house was built after 2021?
The scheme requires the house to have been built and occupied before 1 January 2021, so a newer home does not qualify.
What if I do not qualify for the free scheme?
The ordinary Solar Electricity Grant is available, up to a maximum of €1,800 depending on how many panels you install. You must have the grant offer from SEAI before any work starts, and finish the work within 8 months.