Solar Panels in Ireland: Solar Panel Costs and Grants

Updated on
min reading
Solar panel efficiency grading

Solar panel DIY kits or from a solar panel company? Solar panels have been touted as a green alternative to traditional energy sources for decades, but how do they work? Amongst all the hype it can be difficult to know if solar panels are right for your home, and which type would be better suited to your property and the needs of your household. We cover all this and more in our complete guide to solar energy in Ireland.

Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!

Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!

Ad
Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!

We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!

Ad

What Is a Solar Panel?

solar panel on the ground

Solar panels in Ireland are growing more and more popular, and they’re quickly becoming one of the most sure fire ways of reducing energy costs and your dependence on the grid. They can even help you earn some extra income through various microgeneration schemes offered by different energy companies.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Solar energy is a simple process even though it involves a lot of technical engineering on the part of the solar panels themselves. Simply put, solar panels generate electricity through sunlight, either converting it directly into electricity like with photovoltaic solar panels, or by generating heat, like with thermodynamic solar panels. This energy can either be used to power your home appliances or it can be stored in a solar panel battery for later!

What Types of Solar Panels Are There?

There are three types of solar panels that are available. These are all very similar in the fact they use the sun, however they have some differences in the way they utilise the sun to generate electricity. Here are the three main types and their differences:

  1. Photovoltaic Solar Panels
    Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels harness the sun's energy through the photovoltaic effect, transforming sunlight into usable electricity. These panels utilise the sun's infrared rays via solar cells. In Ireland, the typical cost for these panels ranges from €4,000 to €8,000.
  2. Thermodynamic Panels
    Instead of directly converting sunlight to electricity, thermodynamic panels produce hot water. They operate using a very cold (-22°C) liquid refrigerant circulated within the panel, which absorbs heat both from ambient air and the sun's infrared rays. In Ireland, expect to spend between €3,500 and €5,500 for such a system.
  3. Solar Thermal Panels
    Solar thermal panels are designed to absorb direct solar heat. Think of them as a dark-coloured car; the inside gets significantly hotter than the exterior when exposed to sunlight for a long duration. In Ireland, the installation cost for these panels typically falls between €2,500 and €4,500.

All these different types of solar panels have their advantages and disadvantages, but in general the most popular are the PV solar panels. These are typically the only ones on offer and are the only ones covered by any grants.

Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!

Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!

Ad
Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!

We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!

Ad

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

Solar panels can vary greatly depending on the type and size you need for your property, as well as their complex solar panel components. The cost also begins to rise when you start adding extra features such as solar panel batteries to your system. However, you can often find the costs coming down in the long term and by exporting excess solar energy to the grid.

Solar panel costs in Budget 2024 In the government’s latest Budget 2024, a number of announcements regarding solar panels and renewable energy were made. Included in the new measures, it was announced that the rate of VAT of buying new solar panels would be reduced to 0% starting from 1 January 2024.

What Is the Average Cost of a Solar Panel System?

The solar panels themselves come with different energy outputs; anywhere between 100w to 580w. The higher the energy output number is, the higher the cost is. On average a new solar panel can cost anywhere between €150 to €425.

Determining which size panels, how many you need, and so on, is a process we recommend you differ to a renewable energy expert. They can take your home’s location, roof angle, and energy consumption to determine a system that would be best for your needs.

Here are the latest prices for PV solar panels with the SEAI grant discounted from it:

House Size Rated Capacity kWh per Year Cost After Grant CO2 Saved
2-Bed Terraced 3.28 kW 2,964 kWh €5,423 994 kg
3-Bed Semi-Detached 4.10 kW 3,724 kWh €5,617 1,000 kg
4-Bed Detached 4.92 kW 4,715 kWh €6,011 2,000 kg
6-Bed Detached 6.56 kW 5,915 kWh €6,789 2,000 kg

Source: Purevolt
Last Updated: 19/10/2023

What Are the Costs of a Solar Panel Battery?

A solar panel battery can really enhance your solar panel system. With a solar panel battery, you don’t have to worry about any surplus electricity going to waste since it gets automatically stored in the battery for you to use when you need to. The downside though is that solar panel batteries can be expensive, so you’ll usually be forking out around €1,500 to €4,000 in addition to your solar panels.

Read Our Solar Panel Costs Guide!

Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!

Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!

Ad
Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!

We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!

Ad
green energy

Can I Get a Solar Panel Grant?

Luckily for those who want to get a solar panel installed, you don’t have to pay the full upfront cost of a solar panel system. Through the Sustainable Energy Authority for Ireland (SEAI), the government is offering a grant that discounts the full cost solar panels. Depending on the number of solar panels you need, the amount you receive should be different. Here’s a table showing you what you can expect:

Kilowatt Peak (kWp) Grant Amount
1 kWp €900
2 kWp €1800
3 kWp €2100
4 kWp €2400

Source: Citizen Information
Last Updated: 19/10/2023

How Do I Apply for a Solar Panel Grant with the SEAI?

In order to get started, all you need to do is fill in the form from the SEAI. From there, you need to follow the following steps to make sure you tick all the boxes:

  1. Select an Installer
    Obtain quotes from registered solar panel companies, compare costs, and choose the best fit for your budget and property needs.
  2. Apply for the Grant
    Complete the online solar panel grant application and provide accurate bank details. Await grant approval before initiating solar panel installation.
  3. ESB Network Confirmation
    Your chosen solar panel installer will liaise with ESB Networks to ensure connection to the electricity distribution grid, which typically takes around 4 weeks.
  4. Panel Installation & BER Rating
    After obtaining necessary approvals, commence the solar panel installation. Post-installation, promptly contact a BER rating assessor to evaluate your property, ensuring you remain eligible for the grant.
  5. Documentation & Grant Processing
    Your installer will provide necessary documentation for the panels, forwarding a copy to SEAI. Upon verification, the SEAI will decide on your grant eligibility. Successful applicants will receive the grant in their bank account within 4 to 6 weeks.

Read Our Solar Panel Grants Guide!

Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with Energia!

Our energy specialists can help you switch to a better energy plan in just a few minutes!

Ad
Energy

Looking to switch energy providers? Save 31% with our discount!

We're currently closed but please leave us your number and we'll give you a free callback as soon as we'open!

Ad

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels?

house with solar panels

Solar panels have a lot of advantages and are really important for reducing our carbon emissions as a country. They provide very cheap and clean electricity, and are very durable, working in almost all weather conditions and rarely require solar panel repair work. However, they do have some drawbacks that are important to discuss.

How Green Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels, especially PV ones, are environmentally advantageous as they harness sunlight to produce electricity without relying on fossil fuels, which, when burned, emit gases that intensify global warming. This sustainable method not only curtails greenhouse gas emissions but also offers a reliable, low-maintenance energy solution given the inexhaustibility of sunlight and the longevity of solar panels.

How Much Can I Save with Solar Panels?

Solar panels can help you save a lot on your energy bills, but the upfront costs are usually quite high even with the grant. However, the return on investment usually only takes around 3 to 4 years for your investment to pay off fully. You can also save by joining a microgeneration programme and getting money back off the grid through exporting electricity!

Are There Any Disadvantages to Solar Panels?

Solar panels can be quite expensive for most people to get one installed, but there are also some environmental problems that they incur. One environmental concern regarding solar panels is the carbon footprint associated with their production. While they are celebrated for their green benefits, the manufacturing process can be carbon-intensive. Nevertheless, this impact is significantly less than the carbon footprint of conventional fossil fuels.

Read More in Our Solar Panel Benefits Guide!

Which Are the Best Solar Panel Companies?

Below you can find a round-up of the main solar panel suppliers in Ireland. Interestingly, Ikea has also started selling solar panels in the UK, but as of yet hasn’t planned a rollout for the Irish market. You can also get your own DIY solar panel kits.

CompanyPV?Thermodynamic?Solar thermal?
Electric IrelandYesNoNo
SolartricityYesNoNo
Solar ElectricYesNoNo
Alternative Energy IrelandYesNoYes
NRG PanelYesYesNo
Green House Renewable EnergyYesNoYes
LVP RenewablesYesYesNo
ThermasolYesYesNo
PureVolt SolarYesNoNo

Check Out Our Full Solar Panel Companies Guide!

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.

Get 31% off with Energia!

energia logo

Here are Energia's new discounts!

  • 🌟 31% off Electricity Only
  • 🌟 26% off Dual Fuel
  • 🌟 19% off Smart Tariffs
  • 🌟 21% off Smart Dual Fuel

Call Selectra now to get up with Ireland's cheapest energy provider!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5 - Our Customer Reviews on Trustpilot