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Agricultural grants
Learn how to significantly cut the cost of your solar panel farm installation with available grants and financial incentives. Discover the benefits of TAMS 3 and the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) for your farm today!
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Solar funding for agriculture.
Unlock Savings with Solar Grants and Tax Benefits
Installing a solar PV system on your farm is a practical way to lower energy costs and support sustainability. Various financial incentives make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for farmers, reducing the upfront costs of installation.
1. Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3)
The TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme provides substantial financial support for solar farms. Through this government programme, farmers can access grants covering up to 60% of the total cost of their solar PV system, making renewable energy a viable investment for agricultural businesses.
Eligibility Requirements for TAMS 3:
Minimum investment: €2,000
Maximum eligible investment: €90,000
Grants cover up to 60% of costs for self-consumption systems only. Larger systems qualify based on farm need
An On-Farm Solar PV Survey by an accredited installer is required to prove the generated electricity will be fully consumed on-site.
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 PV 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 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 investment.
Application Process
Steps to Apply for TAMS 3 Solar Grant
1. Prepare Your Application
Complete an On-Farm Solar PV Survey with an accredited installer to assess your energy needs and system size.
2. Submit Your Application Online
All applications must be submitted through the Department of Agriculture’s website: agfood.ie. Ensure you are registered for OLS 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
4. Claim Your Payment
After approval and installation, submit a claim for payment with the required documentation. Applications are ranked on a tranche basis, so accuracy is essential to avoid delays.
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 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
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Learn more about Solar
More questions? Feel free to contact us
Yes, Irish farmers can access grants such as the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), which offers up to 60% off solar PV installation costs. This grant reduces the upfront cost, making solar power more affordable.
Farmers aged 18 to 40 years old who meet specific criteria, such as self-consumption of electricity, are eligible. An accredited installer must conduct a farm energy survey, and the minimum investment is €2,000.
Yes, flat-rate farmers in Ireland can claim VAT back on their solar PV systems under specific schemes introduced in 2021. This makes the investment more cost-effective.
Land that is flat, unshaded, and receives high sunlight exposure is ideal for solar farming. Conducting an on-site survey can help 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 solar farm grants like TAMS 3, follow these steps:
1. Conduct an energy needs survey with an accredited installer.
2. Register for OLS (Online Services) on the Department of Agriculture website.
3. Submit your application and required documents through agfood.ie.
