The Communities Energy Grant Scheme (formerly known as Better Energy Communities or BEC) is aimed at large community projects which contain domestic residential housing upgrades, commercial and/or not-for-profit organizations/businesses and public sector non-residential works and as such does not accept applications for standalone projects. This grant does offer funding towards the installation of solar panels, however, a fabric-first approach is usually recommended. This would include works such as external insulation, replacing windows, etc. Further details may be found on our website, where you can also download the guidelines for more in-depth information: 

https://www.seai.ie/grants/community-grants/project-criteria-and-funding/ 

In order to be included in an application for the next Communities Energy Grant Scheme, you will need to contact a project coordinator, who will provide advice for the projects you wish to undertake and may be in a position to invite you to become part of their application.  Please follow the link below to a list of organisations who have, in the past, taken part in the Better Energy Communities/ Communities Energy Grant scheme:

https://www.seai.ie/grants/community-grants/project-coordinator/

We would strongly advise that you speak with your County Council and a Participating Energy Supplier as they may have their own schemes to provide financial assistance towards energy saving measures. Participating Energy Suppliers have an incentive to reduce their energy consumption and may offer support and financial aid, a list can be found here:

http://www.seai.ie/energy-in-business/energy-efficiency-obligation-scheme/ 

Communities Energy Grant Team, SEAI, T. 01 8082162 bec@seai.ie