Greener Homes Scheme
Introduction
The Greener Homes Scheme provides grants to help homeowners to buy home heating systems that use a renewable energy source. The scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
A new national upgrade programme called 'Better Energy' was launched in May 2011. Under the Better Energy programme:
- The Greener Homes Scheme is closed to new applicants with effect from 10 May 2011
- The solar heating part of the Greener Homes Scheme has been transferred to the Better Energy Homes Scheme
In addition, the Finance Act 2011 proposes a new scheme of tax relief for energy-efficiency works. However, this provision is not yet in force.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy that is created from sources that the earth can continue to provide indefinitely. Examples of renewable energy sources are:
- Solar power (from the sun)
- Heat pumps to use naturally occurring heat in the ground or water
- Biomass (made by burning certain types of wood and energy crops).
Renewable energy is sustainable because it does not harm the environment. The use of renewable energy in home heating systems will reduce Ireland’s dependency on oil, gas and other fossil fuels and will also reduce CO2 emissions.
Grants to install renewable energy heating systems
Home heating systems that use renewable energy are generally more expensive than other heating systems to install. The aim of the Greener Homes Scheme is to support homeowners to install and use renewable energy heating systems by providing installation grants.
Heating systems that use renewable energy may be more expensive to install but in general they are cheaper to run than conventional systems.
The SEAI has produced a booklet on How to make your home more energy efficient (pdf) which explains how you can save money by making sure that your home only uses as much energy as it needs. Read more energy-saving tips for your home.
Rules
Grants are available for the installation of one new heating system in your home. The grant only covers the cost of equipment. The cost of installation (labour) must be paid for by you, the homeowner.
To qualify for a grant under Phase 3 of the Greener Homes Scheme (which began on 22 July 2008):
- You must own the home (a tenant cannot apply for this grant)
- Your home must have been occupied before 30 June 2008
- Your home must have an existing heating system
- You must apply for the grant before getting the work done. A grant will not be given for equipment that was installed before grant approval no matter how recently it was installed
- You must not have got a grant under phase 1 or 2 of the scheme
- You must install an approved renewable energy heating system
- You must use an approved installer to put in your heating system
SEAI will not accept your grant application if you intend to use an installer or equipment that is not on the approved lists. If you are applying for a grant and your chosen installer is not on the approved list, then you must have them submit their details to SEAI for approval before you apply for a grant. In the same way, if you are applying for a grant and your chosen heating system is not already listed, then your supplier must submit the details of the product and it must become listed before SEAI can accept your grant application.
SEAI provides a practical guide for buyers on issues such as choosing the right system and getting the best product.
Rates
Grants of up to €3,500 are available.
The amount of the grant depends on which heating system you choose and how much it costs.
How to apply
The Greener Homes scheme is closed to new applicants from 10 May 2011.
You can apply for a solar power grant under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
Where to apply
Greener Homes Scheme
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Finnabair Business Park
Dundalk
Louth
Ireland
Locall:1850 734 734
Fax:(042) 939 1501
Homepage: http://www.seai.ie
Email: greenerhomes@seai.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Better Energy Homes Scheme
This scheme provides grants to help you increase the energy efficiency of your home, including grants for home insulation. - Warmer Homes Scheme
This scheme aims to increase the energy efficiency and warmth of homes where people on low incomes are living. - Housing for older people
There are special schemes and grants for housing and home improvements for older people and people with disabilities.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.