Bord Gáis Energy launches Ireland’s first residential 0% interest finance solution to make solar energy more accessible for Irish households
- Minister Darragh O’Brien joins Bord Gáis Energy to help launch its new residential 0% interest solar finance solution, backed by Finance Ireland
- Research commissioned by Bord Gáis Energy shows 64% of those considering solar energy cite upfront cost as the biggest barrier
- Homeowners can borrow between €4,000 and €10,500 over a two-to-four-year period, with a €99 deposit payable upfront and the balance paid through Finance Ireland’s Green Loan
- Bord Gáis Energy’s offer will make the switch to solar energy more affordable and accessible to more people across Ireland
- Homeowners who switch to solar energy can save up to 70% on electricity bills*
1 October 2026: Bord Gáis Energy was joined by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment today for the launch of its new 0% interest finance solution for rooftop solar panels.
In partnership with Finance Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy is the first to offer this solution for homeowners**, reducing both the upfront cost and monthly repayments, making solar more accessible and affordable for households across Ireland. Customers will pay an upfront deposit of €99 and can apply to borrow between €4,000 and €10,500 over a two to four year-period with 0% interest and no finance charges*.
Research commissioned by Bord Gáis Energy found that almost two thirds (64%) of people currently considering purchasing solar panels say the upfront cost and the cost of borrowing is what's holding them back from installing panels. The solution, announced today by Bord Gáis Energy is designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to solar adoption, helping more households participate in the energy transition by making sustainable energy solutions more affordable, practical and accessible.
The appetite is clearly there. More than four in five (83%) of those considering solar say access to a genuine 0% APR payment plan would make them more likely to go ahead in the next year. Borrowing costs are already shaping people's decisions as one third (33%) of those considering solar say interest rates or the cost of borrowing have caused them to either delay a home energy upgrade or rule one out altogether.
When it comes to the reasons people would install solar, financial savings are the strongest motivation, with 72% citing lower electricity bills, while 35% point to using more renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint.
Welcoming the initiative, Minister Darragh O’Brien said “This is a significant step forward by Bord Gáis Energy, and I am confident it will make rooftop solar a more accessible option for households across the country. The Government is already supporting householders in making the transition to renewable energy, with grants available through my department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). However, we recognise that the upfront cost can still make the decision a difficult one for many families.
Initiatives such as this from the energy sector can help make rooftop solar more affordable and encourage more households to make the switch to renewable energy. Against the backdrop of the geopolitical challenges affecting energy prices this winter, every effort we can make collectively to support the move towards renewables is welcome.”
Catherine Lonergan, Director of Customer and Commercial, Bord Gáis Energy, said:
“Ireland has a proven demand for rooftop solar energy. More than 190,000 homes and businesses are already generating their own electricity and over one million homes could potentially be suitable for solar energy. Yet research consistently shows that upfront cost remains the biggest barrier preventing wider participation. The next phase of Ireland's energy transition is not about awareness. It's about affordability and access.
For 50 years, Bord Gáis Energy has played a central role in supporting Irish homes, communities and businesses. We’re proud to partner exclusively with Finance Ireland to offer this 0% interest solar finance solution to Irish households. This latest offering adds to the range of services and solutions that we are investing in to help customers and provide more solutions to support them on their energy journey. After 50 years of energising Ireland, this latest offering shows our commitment to partner with customers to lead a greener, fairer future together.”
Damien Daly, Chief Operating Officer at Finance Ireland said, “Finance Ireland is delighted to support Bord Gáis Energy on this project. Now more than ever the advantages of solar energy are becoming clearer by the day. We share the aim of Bord Gáis Energy to make solar energy more accessible to Irish households and we are delighted to be involved in this innovative, customer friendly initiative."