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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: July 2025
These prices usually cover the solar panels, inverter, mounting hardware, wiring, and installation labour.
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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 an 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 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:
As an SEAI-registered solar panel installer through Activ8 Solar Energies, choosing SSE Airtricity solar panels qualifies you for the current SEAI Solar Electricity Grant scheme.
The amount of the grant you receive depends on the peak output (kWp) of your new solar panel system:
Caption
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: July 2025
The SEAI grant is designed to cover part of the cost for both the labour and materials involved in installing solar panels. While the maximum grant in 2025 is capped at €1,800, this significantly reduces your upfront investment.
You are only eligible for the grant once per property.
Grant Amount Capped 2025
In 2025, the SEAI grant is capped at €1,800. The government plans to gradually reduce this grant by up to €300 every year, with an intended end in 2029, as solar panel system costs are expected to decrease over time.
Are There Other Ways to Reduce the Costs of My SSE Airtricity Solar Panels?
Beyond the SEAI solar panel grant, other incentives can significantly reduce the overall cost of your SSE Airtricity solar panel installation:
Caption
SSE Airtricity Solar Panel Cost Reducers
Incentive Description
Value
VAT Reduction
A government initiative making solar installations more affordable for homeowners.
0% VAT on supply and installation costs.
Clean Export Guarantee (CEG)
Earn money by selling excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the national grid. SSE Airtricity offers competitive export rates, including their "Active8 Premium Export Rate" for qualifying customers.
Up to 29.5c per kWh exported (Activ8 Premium Export Rate).
Tax Exemption for CEG Income
An exemption on income earned from selling excess electricity back to the grid for microgenerators.
Up to €400 per year tax-free.
Fully Funded Solar Panels for Medically Vulnerable
A specialised scheme providing free solar panel installations for specific vulnerable households.
100% funded installation.
TAMS Grants (for Farms)
Grants for solar PV systems on farms and agricultural holdings. SSE Airtricity (through Activ8) also works with agricultural clients for these solutions.
Up to 60% of the cost, capped at €90,000 for systems up to 62 kWp.
Last Update: July 2025
What Are the Pros and Cons of SSE Airtricity Solar Panels?
Investing in solar panels is a significant decision.Choosing a provider like SSE Airtricity (with Activ8 Solar Energies) offers distinct advantages and potential considerations.
Trusted Provider: SSE Airtricity is a well-established and prominent energy company in Ireland, offering peace of mind.
SEAI Registered: Ensures your installation meets high industry standards and qualifies for available government grants.
Competitive Microgeneration Support: SSE Airtricity offers an attractive "Active8 Premium Export Rate" (29.5c per kWh for Activ8 install customers) for electricity exported back to the grid, maximizing your earnings.
Incentives & Offers: They help navigate the process of securing government grants and ensure the 0% VAT rate is applied, simplifying the financial aspect.
End-to-End Service: Through their partnership with Activ8 Solar Energies, they manage the entire process, from initial consultation to final installation and grid connection.
Environmental Impact: By going solar, you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to Ireland's renewable energy goals.
Disadvantages
No Fixed Online Prices: As with many custom installations, you won't find a set price list online, requiring a consultation for a specific quote.
Potential for Higher Cost: As a larger provider offering a comprehensive service, their overall pricing might sometimes be slightly higher compared to smaller, independent solar installers who might have lower overheads.
Reliance on Subcontractors: While Activ8 Solar Energies is a reputable partner, the installation is handled by their team, which some customers might view as a subcontractor relationship rather than an in-house SSE Airtricity team.
"Lock-in" Effect: If you opt for their premium microgeneration buy-in rate, you might be less inclined to switch electricity providers, potentially missing out on other energy savings.
SSE Airtricity Solar Panels FAQs
How Much Could I Save with SSE Airtricity Solar Panels?
Savings come from two main areas: significantly reducing your electricity bills by using your own generated power, and earning money by exporting surplus electricity to the grid (microgeneration). A typical 10-panel installation (~4.4 kWp) can generate around 3,700 kWh annually, potentially leading to annual electricity savings of over €1,000, plus earnings from exports, especially with SSE Airtricity's competitive Active8 Premium Export Rate.
Do Solar Panels Work in Ireland?
Yes, solar panels work effectively in Ireland, particularly from April to October. While sunny days produce the most, panels still generate electricity on cloudy or even rainy days, as they primarily rely on daylight, not just direct sunlight.
Do I Need a Battery with My Solar Panels?
A battery is optional but highly recommended. Without one, any excess electricity generated is either used immediately or exported to the grid. A battery stores this surplus energy for use when the sun isn't shining (e.g., evenings, night, cloudy days), significantly increasing your self-consumption and further reducing your reliance on grid electricity. While adding to the upfront cost (typically €1,700 - €2,400), it can maximise your long-term savings.
How Long Does It Take for Solar Panels To Pay for Themselves?
The payback period varies depending on your energy consumption, the size of your system, and electricity prices. For solar panels in Ireland, the payback period is typically estimated to be around 6-7 years. Higher consumption and effective use of generated energy (especially with battery storage) usually lead to a shorter payback period.
What Warranties Do SSE Airtricity Solar Panels Come With?
SSE Airtricity, through Activ8 Solar Energies, typically offers a 25-year performance warranty on the solar panels themselves, alongside a 2-year workmanship warranty on the installation. Standard manufacturer warranties for components like inverters (often 10 years) are also included. If you're an SSE Airtricity electricity customer, you'll benefit from their Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme, with their Active8 Premium Export Rate offering 29.5c per kWh for exported electricity (for qualifying Activ8 install customers).
Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?
Activ8 Solar Energies will determine this during their free home survey. Factors include the size, angle, and orientation of your roof (south-facing is ideal, but east/west can also be effective), as well as any shading from trees or nearby buildings.
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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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