Ireland’s farmers have a unique opportunity to invest in solar energy, reduce electricity costs, and contribute to a greener future. But when it comes to grants, the choice between TAMS grants (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes) and commercial solar grants can be confusing. Choosing the wrong route could mean leaving money on the table.
⚡ Understanding TAMS Grants for Solar PV
TAMS grants are specifically designed for agricultural businesses. They support solar PV installations to help farmers reduce energy costs and improve sustainability. However, the grants are based on energy consumption, meaning the size of your grant depends on how much electricity your farm typically uses.
Key Considerations for TAMS Grants:
- Ideal for farms with moderate to high electricity consumption (e.g., dairy, pig, or poultry farms).
- Grant funding is proportional to the farm’s energy usage; low-consumption farms may not qualify for large grants.
- Installation must meet the TAMS eligibility criteria, including approved equipment and certified installers.
🌱 Commercial Solar Grants: A Smart Alternative
For some farms, particularly tillage or drystock farms, TAMS grants may be limited due to lower electricity consumption. In these cases, a commercial solar grant can be more beneficial because it’s based on PV array capacity, not consumption.
Advantages of Commercial Grants for Farmers:
- Larger Grant Potential: Even if your farm’s electricity use is low, the grant is calculated based on the size of the solar installation.
- Scalable Installations: You can install larger arrays to generate more energy, store it with batteries, or sell excess back to the grid.
- Long-Term Savings: Larger arrays mean more electricity produced, reducing reliance on grid power and lowering bills.
🏡 Which Farms Benefit Most from Commercial Grants?
- Tillage Farms: These farms often have seasonal machinery usage and lower overall electricity consumption. TAMS grants may be modest, while commercial grants allow for larger arrays and higher total grant amounts.
- Drystock Farms: Low-consumption livestock farms may also see greater financial benefit from commercial grants since the PV array size dictates grant value rather than low energy use.
- Mixed Farms: Farms with varying electricity needs may combine both grant schemes to maximize benefit.
💡 Key Takeaways for Irish Farmers
- Evaluate Your Electricity Use: If your farm’s energy consumption is low, a TAMS grant may not provide enough funding for an optimal solar PV system.
- Consider Array Size: Commercial grants reward larger PV installations, which can offer higher energy generation and grant funding.
- Plan for the Future: Installing a larger array now with commercial grants allows you to expand your system, add batteries, or sell excess electricity.
- Seek Expert Advice: Professional solar installers can help you calculate which grant option will maximize your ROI and ensure compliance with grant rules.
🔋 How Greenora Can Help
At Greenora, we specialize in solar PV solutions for Irish farmers, including both TAMS and commercial grant applications. Our team can help you:
- Determine which grant option is most financially beneficial for your farm.
- Design a solar PV system tailored to your farm type and energy needs.
- Navigate the application process to maximize funding.
Contact us today to discuss your farm’s solar options and start saving on energy while securing government grants: Greenora Contact Page.
