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Maximise Your Farm's Potential with Agricultural Solar PV Grants
Reduce your farm's electricity bills with substantial solar grants for agriculture options available now. Our expert team helps Irish farmers cut the cost of solar panel installation through government-backed financial incentives. Learn how TAMS 3 and the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) can transform your farm's energy costs while improving sustainability.
Contact Solar Path for more information and a free consultation about your solar project. Our team will conduct your research and a site survey and provide a detailed quote for your solar PV design and installation.
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Installing a solar PV system on your farm provides a practical approach to lower energy costs while enhancing your farm business sustainability. The available financial incentives make renewable energy more accessible for Irish farmers, significantly reducing the upfront costs of solar installation.
1. Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3)
The TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme delivers substantial financial support for farms seeking to install solar PV panels. Through this government programme, eligible farmers can access grant aid covering up to 60% of the total cost of their solar PV system, making renewable electricity a viable investment for agricultural businesses.
Eligibility Requirements for TAMS 3:
Maximum eligible investment ceiling: €90,000
Grant aid covers up to 60% of costs for self-consumption systems only. Larger systems qualify based on farm's electricity usage
A Farm Solar PV Survey by an accredited installer is required to prove the electricity generated will be fully consumed on-site
Solar PV rechargeable batteries are eligible for grant aid, covering up to 50% of the installed panels' capacity
2. Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA)
The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme enables farmers to deduct the full cost of their solar photovoltaic system from their tax bill in the first year. This additional incentive applies to the net cost after the TAMS grant, further reducing the financial burden of transitioning to solar power.
How ACA Works:
Provides full tax relief on capital investment for solar PV installation in the first year
The eligible ACA amount equals the total cost of the system minus any TAMS grant
Depending on farm profits and tax rates, the ACA can significantly shorten the payback period for the investmentDepending on farm profits and tax rates, the ACA can significantly shorten the payback period for the investment.
1. Prepare Your Application
Complete a Farm Solar PV Survey with an accredited installer to assess your energy costs and system size. This survey will determine whether ground mounted panels or roof-mounted PV panels are best suited for your farm business.
2. Submit Your Application Online
All solar panel applications must be submitted online through the Department of Agriculture's website: agfood.ie. Ensure you are registered for the Basic Payment Scheme as manual applications are not accepted.
3. Provide Supporting Documentation
Required documents include:
Evidence of land ownership or leasehold title
Completion of Farm Safety Code of Practice
Quality certificates for solar equipment
Installation and commissioning certificates
Completed ESB Networks NC6/7 form for connecting to the national grid
4. Claim Your Payment
After approval and installation, submit a claim for grant payment with the required documentation. Applications are ranked on a tranche basis, so accuracy with reference cost works is essential to avoid delays in the entire process.
Solar Savings
Understanding Your Return on Investment
Grants and tax incentives dramatically reduce the payback period for solar PV systems. Here's an example for a 30kWp solar PV output system:
Estimated Equipment Cost: €46,000
TAMS Grant (60%): -€27,600
Net Cost After TAMS: €18,400
Estimated Savings Based on Energy Prices:
Energy Price
Payback Period without TAMS
Payback Period with TAMS
25 cents/kWh
7 years
2.8 years
29 cents/kWh
6.3 years
2.5 years
35 cents/kWh
5.5 years
2.2 years
When planning your solar PV installation, several factors determine the optimal setup for your farm. Both roof-mounted and free-standing solar array options are available, each with distinct advantages:
Roof-mounted PV panels typically use existing roof space without requiring planning permission
Ground mounted systems may require planning permission but can be positioned for maximum solar PV output
System size should be calculated based on your farm's electricity usage
Our proven track record includes installations for dairy, sheep farms, tillage, beef, and poultry operations across Ireland.
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Contact Solar Path for more information and a free consultation about your solar project. Our team will conduct your research and a site survey and provide a detailed quote for your solar PV design and installation.
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Learn more about Solar
More questions? Feel free to contact us
Yes, Irish farmers can access grants through the Agricultural Modernisation Scheme TAMS 3, which offers up to 60% off solar PV installation costs. This grant aid reduces the upfront cost, making solar power more accessible.
Active farmers including young qualified farmers who meet specific criteria, such as self-consumption of electricity generated, are eligible. The farm solar PV survey must confirm that electricity generated will be consumed on-site, and the minimum investment is €2,000.
Land with proper orientation, unshaded areas, and sufficient roof space or ground area for mounting specifications is ideal for solar PV investment. Conducting an on-site farm solar PV survey will determine suitability.
The ACA allows farmers to write off the net cost of solar PV installations against their tax bill in the first year. It applies to costs remaining after any TAMS grant and significantly shortens the payback period.
To apply for grants like TAMS 3, complete these steps:
• Conduct an energy needs survey with an accredited installer
• Register for the Basic Payment Scheme
• Submit your application with all required documentation through agfood.ie
