Beat the Price Increases and Save Money on Electricity in 2026
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Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.
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SSE Airtricity solar panel installations, provided through their partnership with Activ8 Solar Energies, generally range from €5,000 to €8,700 after SEAI grants. The final cost depends on factors such as the system size, your home's unique requirements, and any additional features like battery storage. If you are looking to switch energy provider, you can call Selectra on 📞(01) 913 1771.
How Much Do SSE Airtricity Solar Panels Cost?
SSE Airtricity solar panel installations, in partnership with Activ8 Solar Energies, typically range from approximately €5,000 to €8,700.
It's important to remember that SSE Airtricity doesn't offer a fixed price list online. Each solar panel installation is a custom project, so costs will vary based on your specific home and energy needs.
Here's an estimated breakdown of costs for different system sizes, broadly representative of what you can expect from an SSE Airtricity/Activ8 Energies installation after SEAI grants:
SSE Airtricity Solar Panel Estimated Price
House Type / System Size
Panel Count
Approximate System kWp
Estimated Cost (After SEAI Grants)
Small Terraced House
4 panels
~1.8 kWp
€4,500 - €4,800
2-Bedroom Terraced House
8 panels
~3.5 kWp
€5,650 - €6,200
3-Bedroom Semi-Detached House
10 panels
~4.4 kWp
€6,300 - €6,600
4-Bedroom Detached House
12 panels
~5.3 kWp
€7,100 - €7,400
Larger Detached House
16 panels
~7.0 kWp
€8,200 - €8,700
Last updated: January 2026
These prices usually cover the solar panels, inverter, mounting hardware, wiring, and installation labour. Note that the 0% VAT rate continues to apply to solar installations throughout 2026.
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What Factors Affect the Cost of SSE Airtricity Solar Panels?
Several elements will influence the exact quote you receive:
System Size (kWp): More panels and a higher kilowatt-peak (kWp) output mean a higher total cost. However, larger systems often have a lower cost per kWp due to shared fixed expenses.
Panel Type & Efficiency: Standard panels are common, but higher-efficiency or premium panel types might come at a higher price.
Inverter Type: The type of inverter chosen (e.g., string, microinverters, or hybrid for battery integration) will impact the overall price.
Battery Storage: Adding a solar battery to store excess energy will increase the upfront cost, typically by an extra €1,700 to €2,400.
Roof Complexity: The pitch, material, accessibility, and any necessary structural work on your roof can affect installation labour costs.
Additional Components: Features like EV charger integration can add around €1,000 - €1,500 to the total.
Installation Partner: While SSE Airtricity works with Activ8, quotes can still vary, so it's always wise to understand all components of your specific proposal.
How Do I Get an SSE Airtricity Solar Panel Consultation?
Getting a consultation for SSE Airtricity solar panels is a straightforward process, managed through their partnership with Activ8 Solar Energies.
You can initiate the process by:
Website: Visiting the SSE Airtricity website and navigating to their solar solutions section.
Phone: Contacting SSE Airtricity directly at 0818 81 21 44.
Once you've made contact, the following normally happens:
Initial Phone Call: A member of their solar team will likely call you to discuss your current energy usage, gather basic details about your home and roof, and understand your solar goals.
Free Home Survey: If your property seems suitable, Activ8 Solar Energies will schedule a free, no-obligation physical survey at your home. Their experts will assess your roof's dimensions, orientation, potential shading, and electrical setup to design a system tailored to your specific needs.
Bespoke Proposal: After the survey, you’ll receive a detailed, customised proposal. This document will outline the recommended solar PV system, its estimated energy generation, potential savings, and a clear, itemised breakdown of all costs. It will also include information on SEAI grants and any financing options available.
How Does the SSE Airtricity Solar Panel Installation Work?
The SSE Airtricity solar panel installation process, carried out by Activ8 Solar Energies, is designed to be comprehensive, guiding you from initial enquiry to a fully operational system.
Here's a breakdown of the typical steps:
1
Contact & Consultation: SSE Airtricity will conduct a preliminary assessment, often by phone, to understand your energy needs, current electricity usage, and basic details about your home and roof suitability.
2
Detailed Site Survey: Activ8 Solar Energies will take measurements of your roof, evaluate its angle, orientation, and any potential shading from trees or surrounding buildings.
3
Design & Quotation: You'll receive a detailed proposal and quotation outlining the recommended system, its estimated electricity generation, projected savings, and the full cost.
4
Grant Application (SEAI): You will be guided through the process of applying for the SEAI Solar PV Grant. It’s crucial to apply for and receive this grant offer before installation.
5
ESB Networks Application: Before your system can be installed, Activ8 Solar Energies will handle the application to ESB Networks for connection to the national electricity grid
6
Installation: Their SEAI-registered installation team will install the solar panels on your roof. The installation process typically takes 1 to 2 days for most residential systems.
7
Commissioning & Handover: Once installed and connected, the system will be thoroughly commissioned and tested. You will receive all necessary documentation, including warranties and instructions on how to monitor your system's performance.
How Do SSE Airtricity Solar Panels Compare to Other Providers?
SSE Airtricity, through Activ8 Solar Energies, is one of several electricity providers in Ireland offering solar panel installation.
When comparing options, consider these key factors:
Certifications & Experience: Always check for SEAI registration, Safe Electric Ireland affiliation, and the provider's overall track record.
Product Quality & Warranties: Inquire about the brands of panels and inverters used, and scrutinise the product, performance, and workmanship warranties.
Pricing & Transparency: Demand an itemised quote, understand how grants and VAT (0%) are handled, and clarify the total out-of-pocket cost and payment schedule.
Customer Service & Aftercare: Assess their communication, how well they explain the process, their post-installation support (monitoring, troubleshooting), and overall customer reviews.
Microgeneration & Grid Process: Confirm they handle ESB Networks applications and clearly explain the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme, including how you'll be paid for exported energy.
Below is a comparison of typical solar panel installation offers in Ireland:
SSE Airtricity Solar Panels Comparison
Provider
Typical System Cost Range (After Grants)
Current Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) Rate
SSE Airtricity
€5,000 - €8,700
32c per kWh (Activ8 Premium Rate - Yr 1)
Bord Gáis
€4,000 - €12,000
18.5c per kWh
Electric Ireland
€7,000 - €10,000+
21.0c per kWh
Energia
€7,500 - €11,000+
20.0c per kWh
Pinergy
(Installation via partners)
25.0c per kWh
Independent Installers
€6,000 - €9,000
Varies (depends on supplier)
Last Updated: January 2026
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As an SEAI-registered solar panel installer through Activ8 Solar Energies, choosing SSE Airtricity solar panels qualifies you for the SEAI Solar Electricity Grant scheme.
The amount of the grant you receive depends on the peak output (kWp) of your new solar panel system:
SEAI Solar Grant Rates 2026
Kilowatt Peak (kWp)
Grant Amount
1 kWp
€700
2 kWp
€1,400
3 kWp
€1,600
4 kWp
€1,800
Source: SEAI Last Updated: January 2026
While it was previously projected that grants would decrease, the maximum grant remains capped at €1,800 for 2026 to encourage renewable adoption.
The grant doesn't cover solar panel repairs or standalone battery purchases.
You are only eligible for the grant once per property.
Grant Future & Tax Incentives
In addition to the SEAI grant, homeowners benefit from 0% VAT on solar installations and a €400 tax disregard on income earned from selling electricity back to the grid (microgeneration), which has been extended until the end of 2028.
Are There Other Ways to Reduce the Costs of My SSE Airtricity Solar Panels?
Beyond the SEAI grant, other incentives can significantly reduce the overall cost of your SSE Airtricity installation:
SSE Airtricity Solar Panel Cost Reducers
Incentive
Description
Value
VAT Reduction
A government initiative making solar more affordable.
0% VAT on supply and install.
CEG (Clean Export Guarantee)
Earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid.
Up to 32c per kWh (Activ8 Premium Rate).
Tax Exemption
Exemption on income from selling excess energy.
Up to €400 per year tax-free.
Medically Vulnerable Scheme
Specialized scheme for specific vulnerable households.
100% funded installation.
TAMS 3 (Farms)
Grants for solar PV systems on agricultural holdings.
60% of cost, capped at €90,000.
Last Update: January 2026
What Are the Pros and Cons of SSE Airtricity Solar Panels?
Choosing SSE Airtricity (with Activ8 Solar Energies) offers distinct advantages and potential considerations.
Trusted Provider: SSE Airtricity is a prominent energy company in Ireland.
SEAI Registered: Qualifies you for the maximum €1,800 grant and 0% VAT.
Premium Export Rates: Offers one of the market's highest export rates (32c/kWh) for Activ8 customers.
End-to-End Service: Managed process from survey to grid connection.
Disadvantages
Premium Pricing: Comprehensive service may cost more than small independent installers.
"Lock-in" Effect: Premium export rates often require you to remain an SSE electricity customer.
SSE Airtricity Solar Panels FAQs
How Much Could I Save with SSE Airtricity Solar Panels?
Savings come from reducing your bills and earning from exports. A typical 10-panel installation can lead to annual savings of over €1,000 plus export earnings.
Do Solar Panels Work in Ireland?
Yes, panels rely on daylight, not just direct sunlight, and remain effective even on cloudy days.
Do I Need a Battery?
A battery is optional but recommended to increase self-consumption. It typically adds €1,700 - €2,400 to the cost but speeds up the payback period.
How Long Is the Payback Period?
For solar panels in Ireland in 2026, the payback period is typically 6-8 years.
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Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.
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