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Free solar PV support for medically vulnerable households
The SEAI is funding the installation of a 2kWp solar PV system on homes, that are suitable, for those people listed on the ESB Priority Services Register.
What is the scheme?
The Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers supports eligible homeowners where someone depends on life-protecting electrical medical equipment and technology. Eligible homes may receive a solar PV system following a suitability assessment.
Since October 2025, the scheme has been extended to all homeowners who are registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register with their energy supplier.
What’s Included?
Free solar PV installation
Home suitability assessment
Professional installation
No cost to eligible households
You are eligible if:
You, or a member of your household must be registered with your electricity supplier in the life support category of the Priority Services Register.
Your house was built and occupied before 1 January 2021.
Your energy provider is participating in the scheme.
How to Apply
Eligible homeowners should be contacted by their electricity supplier. No separate SEAI application is required.
If you are unsure whether your household is registered under the life support category, contact your electricity supplier directly.
An approved solar PV company assesses suitability and arranges installation if the home qualifies.
Your free system includes
Solar panels of up to 4kWp (kilowatt-peak)
1 x String Inverter
A battery system of up to 5kWh (kilowatt-hour)
Full Installation
Who is a Vulnerable Customer?
A Vulnerable Customer is a person who is critically dependent on electrically powered equipment. This includes (but is not limited to) life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipsment, or particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
(The above definition is taken from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).)
Priority Register
The Priority Services Register in for vulnerable customers who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment. Since October 2025, the Solar PV Scheme has been extended to all homeowners who are registered under the life support category of the Priority Services Register with their energy supplier.
Enhanced Support Available from 6 October 2026
One of the most significant developments is the expansion of the Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme*. The scheme, which already provides free solar panels to eligible households registered under the Life Support category of the Priority Services Register, will now offer a larger solar installation of up to 4kWp together with a 5kWh battery storage system, fully funded by the State.
New Solar Grants for Low-Income Households
Households receiving certain Department of Social Protection payments, including Fuel Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Working Family Payment and One-Parent Family Payment, may qualify for grants of up to €9,000 towards solar panels and battery storage.
Good News for Newer Homes
Another important change is the expansion of eligibility for solar grants to homes built and occupied before 2025. Previously, many newer homes did not qualify for support. Under the new proposals, these households will be able to access the existing solar PV and solar thermal grants, worth up to €1,800.
New Battery Storage Grant
A new €600 grant for home battery storage systems will help households store excess solar energy for use later, reducing reliance on electricity from the grid.
Additional Home Energy Improvements
The package also includes grants for: HAP and RAS tenancies:
Attic insulation worth between €1,400 and €2,500.
Cavity wall insulation worth between €900 and €2,300.
A new €2,000 boiler scrappage scheme to encourage households to replace fossil-fuel heating systems with cleaner technologies such as heat pumps.
Improving insulation can be particularly important for people with chronic illness, helping maintain a comfortable home environment while reducing heating costs.
* Patients who believe they may qualify for the medically vulnerable solar scheme (people on home dialysis or other electrically powered medical equipment) should ensure they are registered under the Life Support category of their electricity supplier’s Priority Services Register and seek further information from their energy supplier or SEAI.
Solar PV Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
The Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers provides a free solar PV system for households where someone relies on life‑protecting electrical medical equipment. This is a separate scheme from the general Solar Electricity Grant.
This scheme is managed through the Priority Services Register of participating electricity providers. It is not something you apply for through the SEAI. The following energy suppliers have confirmed their participation:
You may be considered for the scheme if:
If you are not sure whether you are on this register, you can contact your electricity provider.
The Priority Services Register is a list that electricity suppliers keep of customers who are particularly vulnerable, including those who rely on critical medical equipment.
The life support category is for people who uselife‑protecting medical devices that need electricity.
Being on this register means your electricity supplier knows that a power cut or disconnection could be especially serious for you.
If you are a kidney patient on home dialysis, you should check that you are on the Priority Services Register, and Specifically listed in the life support category.
Your renal team or medical social worker may be able to support you with this if you feel unsure.
Yes, under this specific scheme the assessment and the installation of the solar PV system are free if you are accepted.
You should not be asked to pay for the solar PV system as part of the Solar PV Scheme for Medically Vulnerable Customers.
If anyone asks you for money under the name of this scheme, pause and double‑check with your electricity provider.
Yes. To be considered under this scheme your home must be built and occupied before 1 January 2021.
If your home is newer than this, you may still be able to explore other solar supports (such as the SEAI Solar Electricity Grant), but the medically vulnerable free PV scheme has this specific cut‑off date.
