Farm Solar Panel Grants in Ireland (TAMS 3 + ACA Savings)
Cut your farm’s electricity costs, improve efficiency and claim up to 60% in solar grants.
Solar PV is now one of the most profitable investments a farm can make in Ireland. With TAMS 3 offering 60% grant aid, and ACA allowing 100% tax relief in year one, farmers are achieving payback periods as short as 2–3 years.
Qmac Electrical specialises in agricultural solar installations for dairy, beef, poultry, tillage and mixed-use farms across Ireland.
Why Solar Panels Are a Smart Investment for Irish Farms
Reduce Your Energy Bills by 70–90%
Solar generates clean, low-cost electricity during the day — perfect for high-demand farm equipment.
Fast Payback Periods (2–3 Years With Grants)
TAMS + ACA significantly reduce your upfront costs.
Future-Proof Your Farm Against Rising Prices
Electricity prices for Irish farms continue to increase. Solar protects your farm long-term.
Ideal for Energy-Intensive Farm Operations
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Milking parlours
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Bulk tank cooling
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Water heaters
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Pumps & fans
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Poultry ventilation
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Grain drying
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Lighting & general equipment
Payback Period for a 30 kWp system including Grants
Payback Example - 30kWp Solar System for a 100-Cow Dairy Farm
| Estimate of future energy prices | 25 cent | 29 cent | 35 cent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||
| Estimated equipment costs for 30kWp system | €46,000 | €46,000 | €46,000 |
| Grant aid | |||
| TAMS 60% | -€27,600 | -€27,600 | -€27,600 |
| Net Cost after TAMS | €18,400 | €18,400 | €18,400 |
| Estimated Savings | |||
| Electricity Produced & Consumed on site -90% | 4,500kWh | 4,500kWh | 4,500kWh |
| Grid Feed in - 10% | 500kWh | 500kWh | 500kWh |
| Estimated Savings | €6,534 | €7,290 | €8,424 |
| Return on Investment | |||
| Breakeven without TAMS grant | 7 Years | 6.3 Years | 5.5 Years |
| Breakeven with TAMS grant | 2.8 Years | 2.5 Years | 2.2 Years |
| Estimated System Lifetime | 25 Years + | 25 Years + | 25 Years + |
TAMS 3 Solar Grant (60% Funding for Farmers)
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides 60% funding for farm solar installations.
This scheme is independent of other TAMS categories and is specifically designed to help farms reduce their energy costs.
What Solar Equipment Is Eligible?
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Solar PV panels
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Inverters
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Mounting structures
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Installation labour
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Battery storage (up to 50% of PV kWp)
TAMS 3 Rules (Farmer-Friendly Overview)
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Minimum spend: €2,000
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Maximum spend: €90,000
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Grant only applies to self-consumption needs
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Must complete an On-Farm Solar PV Survey
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Must apply via AgFood.ie
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Applications are ranked in tranches
Documents Typically Required
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On-Farm PV Survey
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Proof of farm ownership/lease
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Farm Safety Code of Practice
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Installation certificates
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ESB NC6/NC7 forms
Qmac guides you through the full application process.
Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) — 100% Tax Relief
ACA allows farmers to write off 100% of the solar PV cost (after TAMS deduction) in the first tax year.
Example With TAMS 3:
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Net cost after TAMS: €18,400
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Farmer tax rate: 40%
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Tax saving via ACA: €7,360
This makes the payback period even faster.
Solar PV is one of the very few farm upgrades that qualifies for both TAMS AND ACA.
Solar PV Systems for All Irish Farm Types
Dairy Farms
High daytime usage = greatest ROI.
Poultry Farms
Ventilation and heating make solar extremely cost-effective.
Beef & Suckler Farms
Reduce electricity for feeding, pumps, lighting.
Pig Units
High and constant demand = excellent returns.
Tillage Farms
Support grain drying and machinery loads.
Equestrian Facilities
Lighting, water pumps and equipment powered sustainably.
Our Agricultural Solar Installation Process
On-Farm Site Survey
We analyse energy demand, roof/ground suitability, and grant eligibility.
System Design
Engineered for maximum self-consumption and savings.
Grant Assistance
We assist with all TAMS + ACA paperwork.
Installation
All work carried out by certified electricians from Qmac. No subcontractors.
Monitoring & Support
Track performance and savings via mobile app.
Why Farmers Choose Qmac Electrical
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SEAI-approved, certified installers
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Agricultural solar specialists
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Full grant application assistance (TAMS, ACA, ESB)
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Clean, safe installation on farm buildings or ground
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Local experts based in Meath
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Transparent pricing
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Full aftercare & system monitoring
Get a Solar Quote for Your Farm
Cut energy costs and maximise your farm’s savings.
Have a simple question? Check out our FAQ
Learn more about Agricultural Solar
Most installations do not, unless very large ground-mounted arrays are planned.
Yes. Cooling, pumps, feeding systems, fans, lights and heaters.
Between 6kWp and 40kWp, depending on usage.
Yes. Most shed roofs are suitable.
Yes. Up to 50% of the PV system size.
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