Ever feel like you’re just throwing money out the window every time the heating comes on?
High bills are frustrating. Cold rooms even more so.
But here’s the good news: SEAI grants in Dublin can cover a big chunk of the cost for upgrades like attic insulation, solar panels, and heat pump systems. According to a 2025 report by WattCharger, most Irish homeowners now see solar payback within 6 to 9 years with grants. And for heat pumps, SEAI offers up to €6,500, which shortens payback to under 8 years for many homes.
This guide walks you through 10 trusted SEAI-approved retrofit contractors in Dublin. You’ll see what each one offers, how much you can save, and how long before your investment pays off.
Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- SEAI grants in 2025 include up to €1,800 for solar PV, up to €6,500 for heat pumps, and up to €8,000 for external wall insulation, helping Dublin homeowners lower upfront costs.
- Payback time with SEAI grants typically ranges from 4 to 8 years for most upgrades, depending on the system and your home’s energy use.
- Ten approved Dublin contractors offer full retrofits, insulation, solar PV, heating controls, ventilation, and end-to-end grant support.
- Extras vary by contractor: some offer free energy audits or BER certificates, while others include project management or remote monitoring.
- Compare quotes carefully because grant amounts depend on chosen works, home size, and package details.
SEAI Grants and Payback Periods Explained
SEAI grants can take thousands off the cost of home energy upgrades. The payback period is simply the time it takes for your savings on energy bills to equal what you paid after the grant.
What SEAI grants are available for home retrofits?
In 2025, SEAI provides grants for a wide range of energy-efficient upgrades. You can get support for attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, and even spray foam insulation.
Heat pump systems qualify too. These systems keep homes warm without burning oil or gas.
Solar PV grants are currently capped at €1,800. The Irish government plans to reduce this by €300 each year as solar panel costs drop, according to Selectra.
Homeowners may choose to upgrade single items or complete a full home energy retrofit through the One Stop Shop service. This service bundles multiple improvements into one project, and contractors handle the entire grant process for you.
The Home Energy Assessment is often the first step. It checks your current energy use and identifies where you’ll see the biggest improvements.
There’s also money available for better ventilation systems. These lift indoor air quality and thermal comfort while reducing drafts. All of these supports aim to make houses greener, cheaper to run, and cozier year-round.
How long does it take to recoup retrofit costs with SEAI grants?
Payback time varies by upgrade. For attic insulation, you might see a return in about 4 to 7 years.
Heat pumps take a bit longer. According to a 2025 report from Mordor Intelligence, household grants of up to €6,500 now shorten payback periods to under 8 years for many Irish properties.
Solar panels are even faster. Most Irish homes achieve payback within 6 to 8 years, thanks to SEAI grants and the Clean Export Guarantee, which pays around €0.13 to €0.20 per kWh for excess electricity sent back to the grid.
Larger upgrades might stretch the payback period. A deep retrofit that includes insulation, new windows, and a heat pump could take 9 to 11 years.
But SEAI grants can cover up to 80% of the upgrade cost for a typical family home under the One Stop Shop scheme. This significantly lowers upfront costs, making energy-efficient homes more affordable.
Each home is different, so it’s smart to get a home energy assessment to see where your best savings might be.
10 SEAI-Approved Retrofit Contractors in Dublin
Choosing the right retrofit contractor is like picking a reliable teammate for your home energy upgrade. Dublin has trusted SEAI-approved names ready to boost everything from attic insulation to solar panels.
Who are the top SEAI-approved retrofit contractors in Dublin?
Dublin has skilled retrofit contractors who meet SEAI standards. These experts help with energy upgrades, attic insulation, solar panels, and more.
- Energlaze Home Energy Upgrades installs solar PV systems, attic insulation, and heat pump systems. They offer home energy assessment services to boost energy efficiency. Based in Wexford, they serve homes across Dublin and Leinster.
- Larkrock Green Homes operates a One Stop Shop in Dublin, serving the Leinster region. Their team handles solar panels, external and internal insulation, modern radiators, and heat pumps. A client from the early 1970s home achieved a final BER rating of A1, according to a 2023 testimonial on their site.
- Electric Ireland Superhomes is Ireland’s leading retrofit One Stop Shop. They provide a turnkey service with a personal project manager who handles everything from planning to final inspection. Average project time is 8 to 14 weeks.
- Churchfield Home Services offers attic insulation, boiler upgrades, and ventilation system fitting. They provide free home assessments and support for older residents. Clients praise their project manager Marius for external wrap jobs completed on time.
- SE Systems has successfully upgraded over 10,000 homes across Ireland. They use a cloud-based project management tool to ensure health and safety standards. They are a procured contractor for every local authority in Ireland.
- Activ8 Solar Energies specializes in solar PV and battery storage, with online monitoring and maintenance packages. They serve the Leinster region and offer EV chargers alongside solar systems. Average project time is 2 to 4 weeks.
- Bayview Contracts Ltd is a nationwide provider that handles full home retrofits, from initial assessment to final BER certification.
- BuildTech is based in Dublin and offers deep retrofit grants. They can help you secure up to €8,000 in funding and have years of experience in home retrofitting. Call them at 086 8585 674 for consultations.
- Oriel View Construction Ltd is based in Louth and serves Louth, North Dublin, and Meath. They specialize in energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation installations for attics, external walls, and internal walls.
- Usher Insulations has been enhancing Irish homes with attic insulation since the SEAI grants launched. They are located in Coolmine Industrial Estate, Dublin 15, and handle grant paperwork on your behalf.
Each contractor above supports Dublin homeowners aiming for energy efficiency through trusted SEAI standards.
What services do these contractors provide?
Retrofit contractors in Dublin help homeowners make their houses more energy efficient. They use SEAI standards to offer many helpful services.
- Install attic insulation to keep heat inside and cut heating bills fast. According to An Post Money, you can save up to €600 per year by properly insulating the attic and walls.
- Upgrade wall insulation so homes stay warm in winter and cool in summer. This includes cavity wall, internal wall, and external wall insulation.
- Set up solar panels for clean electricity. Most systems in Ireland now have a payback period of 5 to 7 years, according to a 2025 report by Purevolt.
- Fit heat pump systems that replace old oil or gas boilers. With SEAI grants of up to €6,500, typical payback for heat pumps in Ireland is around 6 to 11 years, according to IrishHeatPumps.com.
- Complete home energy upgrades, including better windows and doors for less energy loss. External window grants can reach up to €4,000 for a detached house under SEAI One Stop Shop schemes.
- Provide a home energy assessment to spot problems and suggest improvements. Larkrock Green Homes, for example, charges €950 for this service, with €350 subsidized by an SEAI grant.
- Advise on SEAI grants, making sure you get the most support for energy upgrades.
- Offer solar PV options, so you can enjoy solar energy day after day. Many contractors, like Activ8 Solar Energies, also provide battery storage and remote monitoring.
- Manage ventilation improvements to stop damp and keep air fresh. Proper ventilation is crucial for homes with upgraded insulation.
- Work as a One Stop Shop, handling the grant paperwork and whole project from start to finish, making your life simple.
Comparing Grant Amounts and Services Offered by Contractors
Each contractor packages their services a little differently. Some bundle BER certificates or home surveys into the price, while others offer extended warranties or remote monitoring as extras.
The grant amount you receive depends on the specific works completed, not the contractor you choose. SEAI sets the grant values for each type of upgrade.
How do grant amounts vary among retrofit contractors?
Comparing retrofit grant amounts is like spotting the difference in a game of “find the twin.” The grant amount, based on works completed, plays out differently depending on which Dublin contractor you choose, the service package you select, and the specific home upgrades.
Here’s a breakdown using real SEAI data and some of Dublin’s most sought-after retrofit contractors.
| Contractor Name | Services Offered | Common Grant Amounts (EUR) | Payback Estimate (Years) | Extras Included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larkrock Green Homes | One Stop Shop, Heat Pumps, Solar PV, Insulation | €8,000 – €30,000 | 5-7 | Energy Assessment (€950, €350 grant) |
| Electric Ireland Superhomes | Deep Retrofit, Heat Pumps, Insulation, Solar PV | €9,000 – €35,000 | 5-6 | Personal Project Manager |
| Activ8 Solar Energies | Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV Chargers | €1,800 – €14,000 | 4-7 | Online Monitoring, Maintenance Packages |
| Churchfield Home Services | One Stop Shop, Insulation, Ventilation, Heating | €6,000 – €28,000 | 5-8 | Free Home Assessment, Senior Support |
| SE Systems | Deep Retrofit, Apartment Blocks, Housing Associations | €10,000 – €27,000 | 6-9 | Cloud-Based Project Management |
| Energlaze | Solar PV, Attic Insulation, External Wrap, Heat Pumps | €5,000 – €25,000 | 5-7 | Full Warranty, BER Upgrade |
| BuildTech | Deep Retrofit Grants, Insulation, Heating Upgrades | €6,500 – €18,000 | 5-8 | Retrofit Consultation |
| Oriel View Construction | Attic Conversion, Wall Insulation, Energy Upgrades | €7,000 – €22,000 | 4-6 | Structural Modifications |
| Usher Insulations | Attic Insulation, Cavity Wall, External Insulation | €1,500 – €8,000 | 4-7 | Grant Application Assistance |
| Premier Insulations | Attic Insulation, Wall Insulation | €1,500 – €8,000 | 4-6 | Grant Reclaiming Service |
Grant amounts change based on a few key factors. The upgrades you choose, like solar or insulation, make a big difference.
Bundled services can mean higher grants. Some contractors wrap BER certificates, audits, or surveys into the price. For example, Larkrock charges €950 for an energy assessment but deducts a €350 grant upfront.
Payback timelines are ballpark figures, not gospel. SEAI rules set the top grant limit each year. In 2025, the solar PV grant is capped at €1,800, and this is set to reduce by €300 annually.
A bigger grant may mean more extensive works, not just more money in your pocket. Your home’s size and current BER play a part too.
Compare, question, and read the fine print, because every contractor packages things their own way. SEAI-approved contractors offer similar base grants for the same measures, but value adds and service level can nudge the total package.
Your best bet? Get more than one quote and ask direct questions. Your wallet will thank you.
What differences exist in services offered by these contractors?
Different SEAI-approved retrofit contractors in Dublin bring a variety of services to the table. Some focus on deep retrofits, while others stick to insulation or solar panel installation.
This quick table gives you a snapshot, so you can spot the right fit for your home, your grant, and your energy needs.
| Contractor Name | Main Services | Included SEAI Grant Works | Special Features | Average Project Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larkrock Green Homes | One Stop Shop, Heat Pumps, Solar PV, External Insulation | Full Project Management, Grant Application, BER Assessments | Dublin Showroom, Client Testimonials (A1 BER rating) | 6-12 Weeks |
| Activ8 Solar Energies | Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV Chargers | Solar PV Grant Works, Home Energy Upgrades | Maintenance Packages, Online Monitoring | 2-4 Weeks |
| Electric Ireland Superhomes | One-Stop-Shop Retrofit, Heat Pumps, Insulation | Full Retrofit Grant Bundles, BER Assessment | Personal Project Manager, Turnkey Service | 8-14 Weeks |
| Churchfield Home Services | One Stop Shop, Insulation, Ventilation, Heating | Free Home Assessment, SEAI Grant Application | Support for Older Residents, Client Reviews | 4-8 Weeks |
| SE Systems | Deep Retrofit, Apartment Blocks, Housing Associations | SEAI-Compliant Upgrades, BER | Cloud Project Management, 10,000+ Homes Completed | 6-10 Weeks |
| Energlaze | Attic Insulation, External Wrap, Heat Pumps, Solar PV | Insulation Grants, Solar PV Grants, BER Upgrades | Extended Guarantees, U-value Optimization | 4-8 Weeks |
| BuildTech | Deep Retrofit Grants, Insulation, Heating Upgrades | Grant Consultation, SEAI Deep Retrofit Grants | Free Consult (086 8585 674), Finance Guidance | 3-7 Weeks |
| Oriel View Construction | Attic Conversion, Wall Insulation, Renovations | SEAI Grant Eligible Upgrades | Serves Dublin, Louth, Meath | 4-6 Weeks |
| Usher Insulations | Attic Insulation, Cavity Wall, External Insulation | Better Energy Homes Grants | Grant Application Assistance, Dublin 15 Based | 2-5 Weeks |
| Premier Insulations | Attic Insulation, Wall Insulation | SEAI Grant Eligible Upgrades | Established Since 1984, Grant Reclaiming Service | 2-5 Weeks |
Takeaways
Saving energy and making your home more comfortable is simpler than you think.
SEAI grants help pay for upgrades like attic insulation, solar panels, and heat pump systems. In 2025, these grants can cover thousands of euros, lowering upfront costs and shortening payback times to as little as 4 to 8 years for most upgrades.
These approved Dublin contractors know their stuff and stick to SEAI standards. Compare services, check grant amounts, and see how fast you can get your money back.
Greener homes are within reach, one upgrade at a time.
FAQs on SEAI-Approved Retrofit Contractors In Dublin
1. What are SEAI grants and how do they help homeowners?
SEAI grants are funds from the government to help you pay for home energy upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels. These grants make it much more affordable to improve your home’s comfort, with schemes like the One Stop Shop covering up to 50% of the cost for a deep retrofit.
2. How does a one stop shop contractor work for home energy upgrades?
A one stop shop contractor manages your entire project from the initial energy assessment to the final paperwork, ensuring all work helps your home achieve a B2 BER rating or higher.
3. What types of home energy upgrade projects qualify for funding?
You can get support for a wide range of projects, including attic and wall insulation, solar PV systems, heat pumps, and heating controls. These are available through different routes, such as Individual Energy Upgrade Grants for single projects or the One Stop Shop service for major retrofits.
4. How long does it take to see payback from installing solar panels?
With current high energy prices and SEAI grants of up to €1,800 for solar PV, most homeowners in Ireland see a payback within 5 to 7 years. This return is even faster when you sell surplus electricity back to the grid through the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme.
