Grants offered are provided by the Government of Ireland through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
What are my Low-Cost Financing Options?
1. The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme
What is the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme?
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is a government-supported loan, delivered through participating banks and credit unions. It’s designed to help you fund the cost of energy upgrades – from insulation and windows to heat pumps and solar PV – with:
- Loan amounts from €5,000 up to €75,000
- Low-cost interest rates, fixed for the full term
- Flexible repayment terms (1–10 years)
- No early repayment fees
- Up to 25% of the loan can be used for non-energy upgrades (like repairs or redecoration)
What Do I Need to Qualify?
To be eligible, you must:
- Own a home built before 2011
- Be applying for upgrades through an SEAI One Stop Shop
- Have completed a Home Energy Assessment (HEA)
- Be able to achieve a minimum 100 kWh/m²/year energy performance improvement
- Have not already received grants for the same upgrade measures
Who Offers the Loan?
The scheme is currently available through these lenders:
How to Get Low-Cost Finance for Your Retrofit: Step-by-Step
1. Book Your Home Energy Assessment (HEA)
The first and essential step – this detailed survey measures your home’s energy status and creates your upgrade plan. Click here to Book Now
2. Receive Your Retrofit Plan & Grant Approval
3. Explore Loan Options with Our Help
We’ll guide you through selecting a low-cost green loan from participating banks or credit unions that suits your needs.
4. Apply for Your Chosen Loan
5. Begin Your Retrofit Works
6. Repay Your Loan Over Time
Not sure what your best option is?
Take a minute to fill in our Grant Eligibility form and we’ll come back with clear, personalised options for your home, including:
- What you might qualify for
- How to combine grants + loans
- What’s realistic for your budget
2. Local Credit Union - Greener Home Loan
We also partner with Cara Credit Union to offer an alternative green loan option for homeowners who may not qualify for the government-backed Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme – or who prefer working directly with their local credit union.
What is the Cara Credit Union Green Loan?
The Green Home Improvement Loan from Cara Credit Union is a flexible, unsecured loan designed to help finance energy-efficient upgrades and home improvements – including insulation, heating system upgrades, windows, doors, solar panels, and more.
- Loan amounts tailored to your project needs (typically up to €75,000)
- Competitive credit union interest rates
- Flexible terms with no early repayment penalties
- Local, personal lending decisions
Is it right for me?
The Cara Credit Union Green Loan is ideal if:
- You’re planning smaller upgrades or individual retrofit measures (e.g. attic insulation or solar PV only)
- You don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the SEAI One Stop Shop path (e.g. your home doesn’t qualify)
- You’d prefer to borrow locally and deal with a trusted community lender
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