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Solar panel installation involves a variety of phases from initial assessment to final system installation. Key considerations include choosing a supplier, the number of panels to be installed, grant applications and grid connection. Installing solar panels can cost between €5,000 to €16,000 to install including labour.
While it may seem like a complicated process, installing solar panels can be done relatively easily by following these steps:
Finding an Installer: Start by researching and contacting SEAI-registered solar PV installers in your area. Get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services. Apply for the SEAI Grant: The installer will assist you with applying for the SEAI Solar PV Grant. Ensure you have received a grant offer before any work commences. Installer Applies to ESB Networks: Your installer will apply to ESB Networks for permission to connect your solar PV system to the electricity grid. This process can take several weeks. System Installation: Once the ESB has accepted the application, your contractor can start. The installation usually takes a day or two. Post-Installation BER Assessment: You will need to arrange a post-installation Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment to certify the energy efficiency improvements to your home. Documentation and Claim: The installer will provide you with all necessary documentation and submit it to the SEAI to claim your grant payment.
Solar Panel Installation
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Solar panels can be an expensive investment, with the average cost being well over €5,000 euros just for a 2-bedroom terraced home.
This is due in part to rising wholesale costs and the high cost of electricity, but there are SEAI grants available to help with the cost of installing solar panels, which can help those interested in making savings on their energy consumption.
Here’s a table that offers an overview of the cost of solar panels for different size houses:
| House Size | Rated Capacity | kWh per Year | Cost After Grant | CO2 Saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Bed Terraced | 3.48 kW | 3,029 kWh | €5,901 | 994 kg |
| 3-Bed Semi-Detached | 4.35 kW | 3,782 kWh | €6,145 | 1,000 kg |
| 4-Bed Detached | 5.22 kW | 4,820 kWh | €6,565 | 2,000 kg |
| 6-Bed Detached | 6.96 kW | 6,036 kWh | €7,338 | 2,000 kg |
Source: Purevolt
Last Updated: January 2025
Interested in Knowing More About Solar Panel Costs?
Do Solar Panels Need Planning Permission?
You don't need planning permission for a solar panel installation. Since solar panels are a small addition to your property, they don’t come under the reasons why you would need to get planning permission.
The amount that you receive for the solar panel grant depends on a lot of factors. However, the most important is the peak output of your new solar panel system.
This means that the amount of power that your solar panel generates at peak times will determine how much you’ll receive in the grant:
| Kilowatt Peak (kWp) | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 kWp | €700 |
| 2 kWp | €1,400 |
| 3 kWp | €1,600 |
| 4 kWp | €1,800 |
Source: Citizen Information
Last Updated: January 2025
The solar panel grant will cover both the labour and the material for the solar panels to be installed in your property.
For many of the grants, the maximum amount is lower than the average price for PV solar panels (around €4,000) so the grant is intended to foot part of the bill for the over costs.
The grant doesn't cover any solar panel repairs or the purchase of a solar panel battery.
Grant Amount Capped 2025
In 2025, the grant is capped at €1,800. The Government plans to reduce the grant by up to €300 every year, as it expects the cost of solar panel systems to reduce over time. It is intended that the grant will end in 2029.
In order to qualify for an SEAI grant for your solar panel installation, you will need to make sure that you comply with the following requirements:
Looking For More Information About Solar Panel Grants?
We recommend looking for an SEAI approved solar panel company as this is one that has been trained and accredited by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
This means that they are fully certified by the government body to come and install your solar panels for you.
You also can benefit from the SEAI solar panel grant if you use an approved installer, with grant amounts of up to €1,800 available.
There are over 400 SEAI approved solar panel companies currently operating in Ireland. On the SEAI’s website, you can find a complete list of all installers that are registered with the SEAI.
The list can be filtered by county so that you can easily find a company operating in your local area.
Looking for a Solar Panel Installer?
There are three main types of solar panels you can have installed in Ireland. Each has a slightly different way of utilising sunlight to convert it into solar energy for your property, and they can vary greatly in terms of costs.
The three main types you can get in Ireland are: photovoltaic, thermodynamic, and solar thermal.
Learn More About Solar Panels
Most solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, and they can often last much longer.
Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, although at a reduced output. Solar panels work by trapping UV radiation as opposed to direct sunlight, so can still work on cloudy days.
Installation usually takes one to two days, but the entire process, including grant applications and grid connection, can take several weeks or months.
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but periodic checks and cleaning may be necessary in the event that they need repairs or new parts installed.
The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.
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