Solar panels have become increasingly popular in Ireland, with over 100,000 homes now generating their own electricity. But are they worth the investment? This guide covers costs, grants, savings, and how to calculate whether solar makes sense for you.
How Solar Panels Work in Ireland
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Despite Ireland's reputation for cloudy weather, we receive enough sunlight to make solar panels viable—though output varies significantly by season.
Key facts:
- Ireland receives 1,000-1,200 kWh of solar radiation per square meter annually
- A typical home system (4kW) generates 3,200-3,800 kWh per year
- Summer output is 4-5 times higher than winter
- Panels work on cloudy days, just less efficiently
Solar panels don't need direct sunlight—they work with diffuse light too. However, they're most effective on south-facing roofs with minimal shading.
Solar Panel Costs in Ireland
Prices have fallen dramatically over the past decade. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:
System Sizes and Costs
| System Size | Panels | Cost Before Grant | Cost After Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2kW | 5-6 | €4,000-€5,000 | €2,800-€3,800 |
| 3kW | 8-9 | €5,500-€7,000 | €4,300-€5,800 |
| 4kW | 10-12 | €7,000-€9,000 | €5,600-€7,600 |
| 5kW | 13-15 | €8,500-€11,000 | €7,100-€9,600 |
| 6kW | 16-18 | €10,000-€13,000 | €8,600-€11,600 |
Costs vary by installer, panel quality, and roof complexity.
What's Included
A typical quote should include:
- Solar panels (usually 400-450W each)
- Inverter (converts DC to AC power)
- Mounting system
- Wiring and electrical work
- Connection to your consumer unit
- Certification and registration
What Might Cost Extra
- Scaffolding (if required for access)
- Roof repairs or strengthening
- Battery storage (adds €3,000-€6,000)
- Smart meter installation (usually free from ESB Networks)
- Planning permission (rarely required for domestic)
SEAI Solar Panel Grants
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants to reduce the cost of solar installation:
Current Grant Amounts
| System Size | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 2kWp | €900 per kWp (max €1,800) |
| 2-4kWp | €300 per additional kWp |
| Total maximum | €2,400 |
For example, a 4kW system qualifies for €2,400 (€1,800 for first 2kW + €600 for additional 2kW).
How to Claim the Grant
- Get quotes from SEAI-registered installers
- Apply online through SEAI before installation
- Receive approval (usually within 4 weeks)
- Have system installed by registered installer
- Submit completion documents to SEAI
- Receive grant payment (typically 4-6 weeks)
Important: You must apply and receive approval before installation begins. The grant won't be paid retrospectively.
Battery Storage Grant
SEAI also offers a grant for battery storage:
- €600 per kWh of storage capacity
- Maximum grant: €1,800
A 5kWh battery costing €4,000 would receive €1,800, reducing your cost to €2,200.
How Much Will You Save?
Your savings depend on three factors:
1. Self-Consumption
Electricity you generate and use yourself is the most valuable—you avoid buying it from a supplier at €0.30-€0.35/kWh.
A typical 4kW system generates 3,400 kWh/year. If you use 60% directly (2,040 kWh), that's worth approximately €650/year in avoided purchases.
2. Export Payments
Electricity you don't use is exported to the grid. Under the microgeneration scheme, you receive payment for exports:
| Supplier | Export Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Electric Ireland | 21c/kWh |
| Bord Gáis Energy | 24c/kWh |
| SSE Airtricity | 22c/kWh |
| Energia | 18c/kWh |
Rates vary—check current offerings.
If you export 40% of generation (1,360 kWh) at 21c/kWh, that's approximately €285/year.
3. Total Annual Savings
| Component | Calculation | Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Self-consumption | 2,040 kWh × €0.32 | €653 |
| Export payments | 1,360 kWh × €0.21 | €286 |
| Total | €939 |
This assumes 60% self-consumption, which requires being home during the day or using timers to run appliances when solar output is high.
Payback Period Calculation
The payback period is how long it takes for savings to cover the installation cost.
Example: 4kW System
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Installation cost | €8,000 |
| SEAI grant | -€2,400 |
| Net cost | €5,600 |
| Annual savings | €939 |
| Payback period | 6 years |
After 6 years, you're generating effectively free electricity. Panels typically last 25-30 years with minimal degradation (losing about 0.5% efficiency per year).
Factors That Improve Payback
- Higher electricity prices (more value per kWh saved)
- Higher self-consumption (using more of what you generate)
- Better export rates
- South-facing roof with minimal shading
- Lower installation costs
Factors That Worsen Payback
- North-facing or heavily shaded roof
- Low self-consumption (away during daytime)
- Poor export rates or no export deal
- Higher than average installation costs
Do Solar Panels Work in Irish Weather?
Yes, but output varies significantly:
| Month | Approximate Output (4kW system) |
|---|---|
| January | 120 kWh |
| February | 180 kWh |
| March | 300 kWh |
| April | 380 kWh |
| May | 440 kWh |
| June | 450 kWh |
| July | 420 kWh |
| August | 380 kWh |
| September | 300 kWh |
| October | 200 kWh |
| November | 120 kWh |
| December | 100 kWh |
Summer months generate 3-4 times more than winter months. However, even in December, panels contribute meaningful output on clear days.
Do You Need a Battery?
Battery storage lets you store excess daytime generation for use in the evening. Is it worth the extra cost?
Pros of Battery Storage
- Use more of your own generation (increases self-consumption)
- Less reliance on export payments
- Backup power during outages (some systems)
- Better return if export rates are low
Cons of Battery Storage
- Significant additional cost (€3,000-€6,000)
- Batteries degrade over time (typically 10-15 year lifespan)
- May not improve payback period
- More complex installation
When Batteries Make Sense
- You're regularly away during the day
- Export rates are very low
- You want maximum energy independence
- You're willing to accept longer payback for peace of mind
For most Irish households, solar panels without a battery offer the best payback. Batteries can be added later if export rates fall or your circumstances change.
Planning Permission
Good news: most domestic solar installations don't require planning permission.
Exempt from Planning
- Panels on roof (not exceeding roof area)
- Panels not above ridge line
- Panels not on front of house facing public road (in some cases)
- Total area under 12 square metres (for wall-mounted)
May Require Planning
- Listed buildings
- Properties in Architectural Conservation Areas
- Ground-mounted systems
- Systems exceeding certain sizes
Check with your local authority if you're unsure. Your installer should advise.
Choosing an Installer
Use SEAI-Registered Installers
To claim the grant, you must use an SEAI-registered installer. The register ensures minimum quality standards.
Get Multiple Quotes
Prices vary significantly. Get at least 3 quotes and compare:
- Total cost
- Equipment specifications (panel brand, inverter brand)
- Warranty terms
- Estimated output
- Installation timeline
Questions to Ask
- Are you SEAI registered? (Required for grant)
- What panels and inverter will you use?
- What warranty do you offer?
- What's the estimated annual output?
- Do you handle the grant application?
- What's your installation timeline?
Red Flags
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Unusually low prices (may indicate poor equipment)
- No written quote or contract
- Not SEAI registered
- Unwilling to explain equipment choices
Microgeneration: Selling Power Back
To receive export payments, you need:
- Smart meter (ESB Networks installs free)
- Microgeneration registration (through your supplier)
- Export tariff agreement (with your supplier)
Once registered, your supplier tracks your exports and credits your account.
Not all suppliers offer export tariffs. If yours doesn't, consider switching to one that does.
Tax Implications
Good news: Income from microgeneration (selling electricity back to the grid) is tax-free up to €400 per year for domestic customers.
If you earn more than €400/year from exports (unlikely for most home systems), the excess is taxable as income.
Common Questions
How long do solar panels last?
Most panels are warranted for 25-30 years and will continue working beyond that, albeit at slightly reduced efficiency. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need replacement during the panel lifetime.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
Properly installed panels shouldn't damage your roof. In fact, they protect the roof area beneath them from weather. Reputable installers assess roof condition before installation.
Do I need to clean the panels?
Rain usually keeps panels clean enough. Occasional cleaning (yearly) can help if panels accumulate dirt, bird droppings, or leaves. Don't use abrasive materials.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard solar systems shut down during power cuts for safety reasons (to protect workers on the grid). Battery systems with backup functionality can continue powering your home.
Can I add more panels later?
Yes, though it may require inverter upgrade or adding a second inverter. It's often more cost-effective to install your desired capacity upfront.
Summary
Solar panels are increasingly worth it for Irish homeowners:
Typical 4kW system:
- Cost after grant: €5,600
- Annual savings: €800-€1,000
- Payback period: 5-7 years
- Lifetime savings: €15,000-€20,000
The combination of grants, export payments, and high electricity prices makes the investment compelling for most homeowners with suitable roofs.
Next steps:
- Check your roof orientation (south-facing is best)
- Review your electricity usage (higher usage = more savings)
- Get quotes from SEAI-registered installers
- Apply for SEAI grant before installation
Last updated: January 2026
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