A development Eco Horizon has been waiting for
There has been encouraging news for Irish homeowners and the renewable energy sector, with the Government now considering introducing a grant for domestic battery storage.
For Eco Horizon, this is particularly welcome news.
The company has been calling for financial support for domestic battery storage for some time, with Ciaran Kells, Managing Director of Eco Horizon and Chairperson of the Micro-Renewable Energy Federation (MREF), repeatedly raising the issue with Government and making the case for battery support to be included in the Budget.
MREF has consistently argued that batteries should form an important part of Ireland’s renewable energy strategy, helping households make better use of the electricity generated by their solar PV systems.
Why has Eco Horizon been calling for a battery grant?
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, but household electricity demand does not always match solar generation.
A home might generate plenty of solar electricity during the day when the household is out at work or school, while electricity use increases later in the afternoon and evening when people return home, cook, use appliances and settle in for the evening.
A battery can help bridge that gap.
Instead of using all of the solar electricity immediately or exporting surplus electricity to the grid, a battery can store excess generation and make it available for the household to use later.
This can allow homeowners to make greater use of the renewable electricity they generate themselves.
For this reason, Eco Horizon and MREF have repeatedly highlighted battery storage as an important next step in the development of domestic solar in Ireland.
A call that has been made repeatedly
This isn’t a new request from the renewable energy sector.
In April 2026, MREF called for a battery storage grant of €200 per kWh for up to 10 kWh for homes, specifically highlighting the role batteries can play in helping homeowners use more of their own renewable generation.
MREF also included battery support in its Pre-Budget 2027 Submission, calling for the reintroduction of a domestic battery grant at €150 per kWh.
Ciaran Kells, in his role as MREF Chairperson, has continued to raise the issue as part of the organisation’s engagement with Government.
For Eco Horizon, the principle has always been straightforward: if Ireland wants more homes to generate renewable electricity, homeowners should also be supported in making the most of the energy they generate.
Now there is movement from Government
The latest development is particularly encouraging.
Minister for Energy Darragh O’Brien has said he intends to seek Cabinet approval for a grant for battery storage ahead of the upcoming Budget.
The details of the proposed scheme have not yet been confirmed, including the level of support, eligibility requirements or when homeowners could apply.
That means it is important to stress that a domestic battery grant has not yet been formally introduced.
However, the fact that battery storage is now being considered at Government level is a significant development for homeowners, installers and the wider renewable energy industry.
Why battery storage matters for Ireland
Battery storage is about more than individual household savings.
As Ireland continues to increase the amount of renewable electricity being generated, being able to store electricity and use it when it is needed can become increasingly important.
Supporting battery storage could help households:
- Store surplus solar electricity
- Make greater use of their own renewable generation
- Reduce reliance on electricity from the grid at certain times
- Get more value from an existing or new solar PV system
- Support Ireland’s wider transition towards renewable energy
MREF has also highlighted the potential role of battery storage in helping balance energy generation and demand as more renewable generation is connected to the electricity system.
A welcome step for homeowners
At Eco Horizon, we have been asking for this type of support because we believe battery storage has an important role to play alongside solar PV.
For homeowners considering solar, the possibility of Government support for batteries could make the decision even more attractive in the future.
For those who already have solar panels, it could also provide an opportunity to make greater use of the electricity their system generates.
For now, however, homeowners should wait for the Government to confirm the details before making decisions based on a potential grant.
Eco Horizon welcomes the progress
After repeatedly raising the issue with Government and advocating for battery support through MREF, Eco Horizon is really looking forward to seeing whether a domestic battery grant becomes part of the upcoming Budget measures.
It would represent an important development for Ireland’s solar industry and, most importantly, could help more homeowners make the most of the clean energy they generate at home.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the Budget announcements and will share further information as soon as the details of any battery grant are confirmed.
