Rate
60%
The panels are sized to the farm's own electricity use, not the house. The power must be used on the holding, with only surplus spilling to the grid.
Quick facts
- Rate
- 60%
- Ceiling
- €90,000 per holding (also for partnerships)
- Minimum
- €2,000 investment per application
- Panel limit
- 62kWp
- Batteries
- Up to 50% of the panel size
- Apply
- agfood.ie, open now
Who can get it — the full rules
The scheme is for farmers with a holding and an electricity meter (MPRN) used for farming. You need an ESB Networks account statement for the MPRN for the previous calendar year and your latest electricity bill.
Younger farmers score higher. The marking sheet gives "20 marks if <41 years, 0 marks if >40 years". Holding size, land in an Area of Natural Constraint and nitrates production also count.
How much it pays
"The solar scheme will be ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000 and will be grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%." Unlike other TAMS schemes, a registered farm partnership does not get a higher ceiling: it "shall remain at €90,000".
Each application must be for at least €2,000 of investment. Grant aid is worked out on the lowest of the Department's reference costs, your paid invoices and the cost you put on your application.
How big a system you can get
The size is set by the farm's electricity use. "The maximum size of solar PV system(s) (kWp) that can be applied for is the net annual demand divided by 1,000 (kWh usage / 1000 = kWp)."
The house is taken out first: "a deduction of 4,200 kWh (kilowatt hours) per dwelling house shall be deducted from the overall annual demand figure (kWh)." The top limit is 62kWp, and batteries are funded up to 50% of the panel size.
Using and exporting the power
"The electricity generated from Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems must be consumed on the applicant’s holding which may include the dwelling house on the holding." You cannot use it for a business other than farming.
Surplus is allowed to spill to the grid only if the system's yearly output does not exceed the farm's yearly demand. An application can be rejected or cut back if the output is higher than the farm uses.
How to apply
Get last year's ESB Networks statement
You need the MPRN's statement for the previous calendar year and your latest electricity bill.
Use a Department accepted installer
Panels can only be installed and commissioned by Department accepted installers.
Apply through your agfood account
The scheme is open now and applications are made through agfood.ie.
Do not install anything before written approval
Work started before written approval is ineligible, and deposits paid before approval are at your own risk.
Finish and claim within 12 months
Works and the claim must be done within 12 months of approval, or by the date in your approval letter if earlier.
Things to watch
Panels cannot go on your house. Rooftop panels must be on a building in the farmyard, and ground-mounted panels on a land parcel or the farmyard.
One MPRN per application is permitted. A ground system over about 18kWp needs planning permission, and the system must be kept in use for at least 5 years after the final payment.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- TAMS 3 Admin (all other TAMS queries)
- 053 9163425
- TAMS technical helpline (specifications)
- 053 9114181
- TAMS technical queries (specifications)
- tams@agriculture.gov.ie
- Apply online
- agfood account
- If a penalty is applied
- Ask for a review of the penalty within 10 working days of being formally told about it.
- If your application is refused
- Appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office in writing within three months of the decision.
From the official pages (assets.gov.ie, gov.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is the TAMS solar grant?
The TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme. It may pay 60% towards solar panels and batteries on your farm, on up to €90,000 of investment, ring fenced from your other TAMS ceilings.
Is the TAMS solar scheme open?
Yes. The Department says it is now open for applications through your agfood account.
Can I export solar power under TAMS?
Only surplus, and only if the system's yearly output does not exceed the farm's yearly demand. You cannot use the power for commercial or non-farming use.
How is the TAMS solar marking sheet scored?
On age, holding size, land in an Area of Natural Constraint and nitrates production. Applicants under 41 get 20 marks for age.
Can I put the panels on my house?
No. The installation of the solar panel array on the dwelling house is not permitted.