There are currently no government grants for domestic solar panels in Northern Ireland. However, households can reduce the cost of solar panels through 0% VAT and flexible finance options. Some groups may also be eligible for support from NISEP.
Solar Panel Government Grants in Northern Ireland
There’s a lot of misinformation online around solar panel grants in Northern Ireland. Unlike in other parts of the UK, here in Northern Ireland there are no direct government solar panel grants available for homeowners.
We can’t comment on whether future funding will become available in Northern Ireland, but this page will be updated as soon as any new government grants are announced.
What Support Is Available for Solar Panels in Northern Ireland?
Although there are currently no government grants available, there are still several ways you can reduce the cost of installing solar panels in Northern Ireland.
| Support type | Available in NI? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Government solar grants | No | Northern Ireland does not currently operate a standard residential solar grant scheme for homeowners. |
| NISEP solar schemes | Limited | Some schemes include solar PV, batteries or hybrid solar systems, but there is strict criteria and funding is limited. |
| 0% VAT on solar | Yes | Eligible residential solar installations currently benefit from 0% VAT. |
| Export payments | Yes | Households can receive payments for unused electricity exported back to the grid. |
| Solar finance | Yes | Flexible finance options are available to spread the cost of installation. |
*Information correct as of May 2026
NISEP Solar Support for Eligible Households
The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) can sometimes help eligible households reduce the cost of solar panels and battery storage. However, there is strict criteria and funding is limited.
Currently, NISEP offers funding through the Toasty Homes Scheme and the Priority PV Scheme.
The Toasty Homes Scheme provides full funding for homeowners and private tenants in low-income households in Northern Ireland. However, the scheme provider advised us that applications are now closed for 2026/27:
“All funding for the current 2026/27 scheme has now been fully allocated, and the waiting list is currently full. While additional funding may become available, existing households already on the waiting list would be prioritised before the scheme reopens to new applicants.”
The Priority PV Scheme provides partial solar funding for low-income NI Housing Executive tenants living in single-story properties that are outside natural-gas areas in Northern Ireland. NIHE is responsible for selecting these properties, and an application can be made to them directly.
Always check the NISEP for the latest information and exact eligibility criteria.
0% VAT on Solar Panels
Residential solar panel installations in Northern Ireland currently benefit from 0% VAT. This applies to the cost of solar panels, battery storage, and installation.
Before 0% VAT was introduced, homeowners would usually pay between 5%-20% VAT on solar panels and installations. On a £7,500 solar installation, that could mean you previously would have paid around £375-£1,500 in VAT alone.
Now is one of the best times to install solar panels, as 0% VAT ends on 31st March 2027.
Get 0% VAT on Solar Panels with Power NI
When you install solar panels and/or a solar battery through Power NI, the VAT saving is applied automatically as part of the installation process!
Explore Solar Panels & Batteries
Earn Money Back with Solar Exports
Once your solar panels are installed, any excess electricity your home doesn’t use can be exported and sold back to Power NI through microgeneration. This means solar panels not only help reduce electricity costs, they could also help you earn money from unused electricity exported back to the grid.
To put that into perspective, here are examples of estimated payments you could receive annually from selling your solar energy to us:
| Solar system size | Est. Annual electricity export | Est. Annual payment |
|---|---|---|
| 2kW | ~936kWh | ~£90 |
| 3kW | ~1,378kWh | ~£130 |
| 4kW | ~1,718kWh | ~£165 |
| 5kW | ~2,289kWh | ~£220 |
*Estimated annual electricity exports are based on average Power NI customer data from 2024/25. Estimated annual payments are calculated using the current Power NI export tariff of 9.64p/kWh and rounded to the nearest £5. Actual exports and payments will vary depending on electricity usage, property characteristics and whether battery storage is installed.Rates are reviewed annually and approved by the Utility Regulator. Actual payments will vary.
Flexible Solar Finance
Although there are currently no government solar grants available in Northern Ireland, finance options can help make switching to solar more affordable.
Solar Panels and Battery Storage
You can finance your solar panels, battery storage or both together as part of the same installation. This gives you more flexibility when choosing a setup that suits your home and long-term energy usage.
Flexible Repayment Options
Repayment plans are designed around your monthly budget, spreading the cost of solar over manageable monthly payments. Selected finance options may also include low deposits and flexible repayment terms.
0% and Low-Interest Finance
Selected solar installations may qualify for 0% or low-interest finance offers, depending on the system and eligibility requirements. This helps you spread the cost without paying more in interest than you need to.
End-to-end installation and support
We can support you throughout the full solar journey, from your free roof assessment through to installation. We can also help you sell your unused electricity back to the grid once the system is installed.
Still Unsure How to Fund Solar Panels?
Whether you’re ready to install solar now or simply exploring your options, our team is here to help you understand what solar support may be available for your home.
Get a solar quoteSolar Panel Grant FAQs
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Can I get solar panel funding through my mortgage?
Some mortgage providers and lenders may offer green mortgages, cashback incentives or additional borrowing options to help fund solar panels for your home.
For example, Halifax, Barclays and Lloyds Bank have previously offered mortgages with cashback rewards of around £500-£1000 for home upgrades like solar panels and battery storage.
Availability, eligibility and offers can vary depending on the lender, so it’s always worth speaking directly with your mortgage advisor before making any decisions. -
Are solar panel grants available for businesses in Northern Ireland?
Power NI has previously offered NISEP-funded grants of up to 20% towards commercial Solar PV and Solar Thermal installations, although the 2025/26 scheme is now closed. Businesses can still register interest for future NISEP funding schemes. -
Can I get free solar panels in Northern Ireland?
Be very cautious of adverts from private companies offering “free solar panels” in Northern Ireland, as these are usually finance agreements or “rent-a-roof” roofing lease schemes.
In some cases, the company may own the solar panels installed on your roof for a set number of years in exchange for reduced energy costs, and this could create complications when selling or remortgaging your home.
Before signing up to any “free solar panels” offer, it’s important to fully understand:- Who owns the solar panels,
- How long the agreement lasts,
- And whether there are any restrictions linked to your property.
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How much do solar panels cost in Northern Ireland?
The cost of solar panels depends on factors including system size, roof type and whether battery storage is included. Typical residential systems can vary significantly in price, which is why we recommend getting a quote with us first.
