Green business loans in Ireland

Yes. The main Irish banks offer dedicated green business loans for solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, LED lighting and electric vans, usually with a small rate discount and proof of the green spend, such as supplier invoices. The SBCI Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme gives an extra discount for eligible green projects, and hire purchase and leasing can also fund green equipment.

Most companies combine an SEAI grant with a green term loan, hire purchase or leasing for the rest. Apply for the grant first and wait for the letter of offer before work starts, because the grant is paid after completion. Then fund your share: a loan suits companies that want to own the system outright, while leasing spreads the cost. Compare the total repayable.

SEAI's Non-Domestic Microgen grant supports commercial solar PV from 1 kWp to 1,000 kWp. SEAI raised the grant to an effective 45% of eligible costs for applications from 6 October 2026, for nine months; check the current maximum on seai.ie. Do not start work until you receive SEAI's letter of offer, which is valid for eight months.

Generally, yes. The grant reduces the project cost, and a loan or asset finance can cover your company's share. Grants are usually paid after the work is completed and claimed, so you may need to fund the full cost first. Check the conditions on seai.ie, because starting work before you have the grant offer can make the project ineligible.

A tax relief that lets a company deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient equipment from its taxable profits in the year it buys it, instead of over eight years. The equipment must be on SEAI's Triple E register, and the scheme has been extended to 31 December 2030. Your accountant can confirm whether your project and ownership structure qualify.

Yes. Green loans usually require supplier quotes, invoices or a purchase order showing the spend is for an eligible green purpose. Some lenders also ask for a BER certificate or an energy audit, before and sometimes after the work. Keep these documents, as they also help with grant claims and tax relief.

Yes. Under the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, eligible climate action and environmental sustainability projects get an additional interest rate discount. You apply for the scheme yourself: get an eligibility code from the SBCI, then apply directly to a participating lender. Our SBCI page sets out the discount and the routes to qualify.

Your company still has to make the full repayments. Savings depend on usage, energy prices and how well the system performs, and they are not guaranteed. Base the decision on whether the company can afford the repayments even if savings fall short, and treat a supplier's payback estimate as a best case rather than a promise.

No. SEAI grants are applied for directly with SEAI or through approved installers. Banks offer green loans directly, and asset finance providers may also help. Tell us what your company needs and we'll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.