New SEAI support for Solar PV and battery storage has been announced for qualifying homes participating in the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).
The measure is being introduced as a pilot scheme leveraging the existing RAS Dublin Pilot, providing substantial support towards Solar PV systems of up to 4kWp, together with 5kWh battery storage, for homes within qualifying RAS tenancies.
Support of up to €9,000 has been announced under the pilot.
For landlords with properties participating in RAS, this could create an important opportunity to invest in renewable energy and improve the energy infrastructure of suitable properties.
However, there is an important distinction:
This should not be interpreted as a blanket €9,000 grant available to every RAS landlord or every RAS property nationally.
Eligibility is subject to the relevant RAS pilot criteria and applicable SEAI scheme requirements.
What is the Rental Accommodation Scheme?
The Rental Accommodation Scheme, commonly known as RAS, is a housing programme through which local authorities work with private landlords to provide accommodation for households with long-term housing needs.
Private landlords can already access certain SEAI home-energy grants, subject to the applicable scheme criteria.
The new RAS measure is different because it specifically provides enhanced support for Solar PV and battery storage together for qualifying homes within the RAS pilot.
What Solar PV and battery support is available?
SEAI’s current guidance describes a pilot leveraging the existing RAS Dublin Pilot to provide substantial grant support for:
- Solar PV systems of up to 4kWp
- 5kWh battery storage
- Support of up to €9,000
The inclusion of Solar PV and battery storage together is significant because it allows the property’s renewable-energy generation and storage requirements to be considered as part of the overall solution.
Importantly, “up to €9,000” does not mean that every RAS property or landlord will automatically qualify for €9,000.
Eligibility and the level of support available will depend on the applicable pilot and SEAI scheme requirements.
Why combine Solar PV and battery storage?
A well-designed Solar PV system can generate renewable electricity directly at the property, reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid while the system is generating.
Battery storage provides the ability to store some electricity for use later.
When Solar PV generates more electricity than is being used at that moment, some of the surplus can be stored in the battery and used when the panels are producing less.
For tenants, this creates the potential to make greater use of renewable electricity generated at the property.
For landlords and property owners, it represents an investment in the property’s long-term energy infrastructure.
Have several RAS properties? Start with the right ones.
Not every property will have the same solar potential.
Roof orientation, available roof area, shading, property type, and electricity requirements can all influence whether Solar PV and battery storage are appropriate.
That’s why EnergyServ can assess individual properties or a wider portfolio to help identify where the strongest opportunities may be.
Rather than assuming every property needs the same solution, the aim is to determine what works, where.
Own or manage RAS properties?
If you own RAS properties or manage a larger property portfolio, you can register your interest with EnergyServ.
Our team can discuss your properties and assess their Solar PV and battery potential.
Any grant support under the RAS pilot remains subject to the relevant SEAI eligibility criteria, pilot availability, and application requirements.
Registering your interest with EnergyServ does not constitute a grant application, confirmation of eligibility or guarantee that an individual property will qualify for support.
Every Property Has Potential.
Register your interest with EnergyServ today.
