Unlock the Power of Solar with Grants and Support for Businesses

1. Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme

The SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme supports businesses and organisations that want to generate their own renewable energy, such as solar PV. This scheme helps with the upfront costs of installing systems of up to 1MWp, making it ideal for SMEs looking to lower energy costs and sell surplus energy back to the grid. The grant value is tied to the size of your solar installation, with a maximum of €162,600 available per project.

How We Can Help: From application to installation, we guide you every step of the way, sizing the right system for you, filing paperwork and ensuring you're eligible for any available payments for excess energy exported to the grid.

2. TAMS 3 Grant (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme)

The TAMS grant is aimed specifically at farmers looking to invest in energy-efficient equipment, including solar PV. With up to 60% grants available, capped at €90,000, this grant offers substantial savings for those in the agricultural sector. Solar energy can significantly reduce your farm's energy bills, particularly if you’re running high-energy demand equipment like milking machines, ventilation systems, drying fans or irrigation pumps. Reducing dependency on fossil fuel is a key aim for the Department of Agriculture, supporting farmers with grants to invest in renewable energy sources. You can install up to 300kW on your roof, or 17kW ground-mounted, without the need for planning permission.

How We Can Help: We understand your usage patterns and assist in the application process, helping you select the right solar solution tailored to your farm's needs, maximising the grant funding available. We conduct glint and glare studies if you’re close to an airfield, working smarter, to maximise your returns.

3. EXEED (Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design)

EXEED-certified projects help businesses achieve energy-efficient design and operations. The SEAI EXEED programme offers grants to companies who follow a certified energy-efficient design approach, which can include solar PV, as well as enhanced insulation, improved lighting, heat pumps and other retrofit initiatives. 

Grants of up to €3m are available and the EXEED programme can cover design, construction and commissioning costs, allowing businesses to incorporate energy efficiency into their overall system design. 

How We Can Help: Our team of experts will ensure your solar project meets the EXEED requirements, assisting with the design and ensuring all relevant documentation is in place to secure maximum funding.

4. Energy Audits

An energy audit is the first step to understanding where you can save on energy costs. SEAI offers grants that cover part of the cost of energy audits, which can determine the benefits of installing solar PV. It’s a great starting point for businesses looking to assess their overall energy use and determine the best areas to target for maximum impact. Up to €2,000 is available for an energy audit which can often cover the full cost.

How We Can Help: We conduct thorough energy audits, providing recommendations on how solar PV can reduce your energy costs and enhance sustainability.

5. Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA)

The ACA scheme allows businesses to write off the cost of their solar PV systems against their profit in the year of purchase, reducing their taxable income. This scheme makes investing in energy-efficient technologies like solar PV, even more attractive, allowing organisations to recover the full capital cost in a single tax year.

How We Can Help: Our straightforward paperwork process makes claiming the ACA allowance as simple as possible. Our team are on hand to help you maximise your returns and claim this tax benefit.

6. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

A PPA is an arrangement where your business can install solar PV with zero upfront costs by entering into an agreement with a solar provider who installs, owns and maintains the system. In return, you buy the electricity generated at an agreed, lower-than-market rate. PPAs are ideal for businesses that want to reduce energy costs without the capital expenditure. PPAs are typically offered over 25 years, but include buyout options for early ownership, should your organisation wish to take control of the solar installation before the end of the agreed PPA period.

How We Can Help: We offer tailored PPA solutions for companies of all sizes, allowing you to benefit from solar energy while maintaining cash flow.

7. SBCI Green Loans

The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) offers low-interest green loans to help SMEs finance energy-efficient upgrades, including solar PV. These loans are designed to make the upfront investment in renewable energy more affordable, with flexible repayment terms. They have both the 'Green Transition Finance' loan and the 'Growth and Sustainability' loan available to Irish businesses.

How We Can Help: We can advise you on how to apply for an SBCI Green Loan, providing guidance on the application and the best solar solution to maximise the return on your investment.

Why Choose Us?

At Shannon Energy, we understand that navigating the grants and financing options available can be overwhelming. That's why we’re here to help at every stage of your solar journey, from conducting initial energy audits to ensuring your project meets all the criteria for grants and funding. We provide a full service—from consultation to installation—so you can focus on what really matters: running your business, while we take care of the rest.

By choosing solar PV, your company will benefit from:

• Reduced energy costs
• Improved sustainability and reduced carbon emissions
• Potential to earn revenue through exporting excess energy 
• Significant financial support through grants, tax relief, and low-interest loans

Our team of experts is ready to tailor a solution that meets your needs and helps you unlock the full potential of the grants and supports available.

Take the Next Step

To begin your solar journey, start compiling your energy data:

1. Determine your MIC (Maximum Import Capacity) - usually written on your energy bill, it determines the maximum size of your solar installation.
2. Contact MRSO to obtain your energy usage data (http://www.mrso.ie/about_mrso/index.htm) 
3. Gather 12 months of your electricity bills, to understand how you are being charged and allow us to work out your solar installation payback period.
4. Get in touch with us to begin transitioning your business to renewable energy, unlock grant funding, and reduce energy costs.

Contact Kale@ShannonEnergy.com today.