SOLAR PV PANELS FOR GREENHOUSES IN IRELAND
Solar PV for Greenhouses: Powering a Sustainable and Profitable Future
At Solar PV Panels Ireland we help greenhouses all over the country future proof their business by investing in sustainability.
SOLAR PV PANELS IN IRISH GREENHOUSES
Clean Energy for Greenhouses in Ireland
The price of energy can be a crippling factor for many commercial entities. Solar PV Panels Ireland can help greenhouses reduce energy overheads with Solar PV for commercial buildings. There is also sizeable non domestic grant available from the SEAI up to €162000.
In Ireland’s dynamic horticulture sector, managing operational costs while ensuring optimal growing conditions and meeting sustainability goals is a significant challenge. Electricity bills are often among the highest outgoings for commercial greenhouses, driven by lighting, heating, and ventilation needs.
At Solar PV Panels Ireland, we offer a powerful solution: greenhouse-specific solar PV systems that drastically cut your energy costs, enhance your crops’ growing environment, and future-proof your business against rising energy prices.
Are Commercial Solar Panels Worth It For Greenhouses In Ireland?
If you have a Greenhouse based in Ireland, installing solar panels can be a smart long-term decision. While Ireland may not have the same solar capacity as sunnier climates, businesses are investing in solar energy as a long-term solution to rising electricity costs. The combination of lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions makes solar power a win-win for both your business and the planet.
Ireland receives between 1,100 and 1,600 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy generation. Even in winter, modern solar PV panels continue to work efficiently thanks to improved low-light performance.
While direct sunlight increases efficiency, solar panels continue to generate electricity even on cloudy days. In fact, 75% of the energy produced by solar panels in Ireland is generated between May and September, when daylight hours are longest. Meaning for half the year your solar panels will be working at their best.
Green Credentials For Horticulture Sector in Ireland
According to Bord Bia’s Global Sustainability Outlook Study 2021, 71% of Irish consumers say buying more sustainably produced products will become more important in the next few years.
Achieving green credentials can provide a competitive advantage. Larger firms and multinationals are increasingly assessing the supply chains as part of their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities. This puts pressure on smaller firms that form the supply chain to demonstrate their sustainability credentials – and provide opportunities for certified businesses to supply to ESG-focused corporates.
Greenhouse solar panels
Expert Commercial Solar Panel Installation for Greenhouses in Ireland
At Solar PV Panels Ireland, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality solar energy solutions for greenhouses. Our team of Safe Electric-registered electricians and technicians specialise in photovoltaic (PV) panel installations and microgeneration systems.
We use only premium glass solar panels and durable mounting kits, ensuring long-term efficiency and reliability. Our goal is to provide Irish businesses with state-of-the-art solar technology designed to perform efficiently for decades.
Why Solar PV is a Smart Investment for Your Greenhouse
Embracing solar power isn’t just about being environmentally friendly; it’s a strategic business decision that delivers tangible benefits directly to your bottom line.
Key Benefits for Your Irish Greenhouse:
- Significantly Reduced Operational Costs: Imagine cutting your electricity bills by 30-70% or even more! Solar panels generate free, clean electricity directly from sunlight, reducing your reliance on expensive grid power. Any excess energy your greenhouse generates can even be sold back to the national grid, creating an additional revenue stream. This is particularly beneficial for energy-intensive operations like lighting and climate control.
- Enhanced Sustainability & Market Appeal: In today’s market, consumers are increasingly choosing products from sustainable sources. By going solar, you demonstrate a clear commitment to environmentally responsible growing practices, enhancing your greenhouse’s reputation and potentially attracting more conscious buyers and partners.
- Energy Independence & Security: Gain greater control over your energy supply. Solar PV systems offer a degree of independence from grid fluctuations and potential power outages, ensuring consistent power for critical systems like ventilation, heating, and irrigation, which are vital for crop health and yield.
- Increased Property Value: A professionally installed solar PV system is a valuable asset that enhances the overall market value of your greenhouse property.
- Long-Term Investment with Strong ROI: Solar PV systems are built to last, typically operating efficiently for 25+ years. This means you’ll enjoy decades of reduced energy costs and a rapid return on your initial investment, contributing to the long-term profitability of your horticulture business.
Ready to explore how solar energy can transform your greenhouse’s energy strategy and financial outlook?
EFFECTIVE SOLAR ENERGY FOR IRELAND ALL-YEAR ROUND
Will Solar Panels Work During Winter Months In Your Greenhouse?
Solar PV panels work all year, including during the winter months in greenhouses in Ireland. While your output will be highest during summer due to the longer days, modern solar systems are engineered to perform well and produce electricity during shorter, overcast and cloudy winter days due to longer daylight hours, they still produce electricity on cloudy and overcast winter days. Which means greenhouse owners in Ireland can still enjoy measurable energy savings and power generation throughout the colder months.
Winter conditions won’t prevent your panels from producing energy; they simply yield less due to reduced daylight hours. The key is sizing your system appropriately to balance your annual energy usage. Our experts at Solar PV Panels can help you choose a system that provides year-round performance.
We install solar PV panels in businesses like:
Greenhouse Solar installation
Understanding Solar PV for the Horticulture Sector
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. For commercial greenhouses and horticulture businesses, this means powering everything from crucial lighting and climate control systems (heating, cooling, ventilation) to irrigation pumps, automated feeding systems, and packing facilities.
Greenhouses are ideally suited for solar installations due to their:
- Large Roof or Available Land Spaces: Many greenhouses, or the land they’re built on, offer extensive surface areas. This provides ample room to accommodate a significant number of solar panels, allowing for maximum energy generation to meet the substantial power demands of modern horticultural operations.
- Consistent and Critical Energy Demands: Growing operations often require continuous or highly predictable energy consumption for environmental controls. This steady demand is perfect for consistent solar energy utilisation, helping to maintain stable conditions vital for crop health and yield, and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
What Our Customers Say
Five stars for Solar PV Panels Ireland! They recently installed a 10 kW system (22 panels) and 16 kWh of Sigenergy battery storage at my home.
Joe Reilly, the owner and lead engineer, was onsite both days. He treated our home with the utmost respect, delivering an incredibly clean, neat, and tucked-away installation. Meanwhile, Claire Connolly made the administrative side effortless, handling everything from quotes and grants to the final BER assessment.
Joe and his team did a fantastic job on our solar installation. From start to finish, the work was completed efficiently, and the site was left spotless. It has been nearly two years since the installation of our 20-panel ground mount system and 10kw battery (We completed a concrete base ourselves) We are delighted with the impact on our energy costs. Having an Air to Water heating system, we previously faced extremely high electricity bills. In 2025, we only had to pay for 1.5 bills, both occurring during the winter months.
I’m extremely happy with my solar installation from Solar PV Ireland. From the initial contact to project completion, everything was handled professionally, clearly, and efficiently. The quotes were detailed and well-presented, and I received a wealth of useful information throughout the process. Joe Reilly was outstanding — knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to explain all my options, including future upgrades like a DC charger and backup power. On installation day, the team arrived on time, and both the roofers and electricians were highly skilled, helpful, and professional.
We recently had an off‑grid solar system installed by Joe and the team at Solar PV Panels Ireland – 42 panels and a 50kW battery to power our van and electric bikes. The whole process was smooth from start to finish. Communication was excellent throughout, and Joe was always easy to reach when we had questions. The system is working perfectly and we couldn’t be happier with the result. Highly recommend this team for their expertise and great service!
Our experience with Solar PV Panels Ireland was very good, from our initial contact to the completion of the work. They answered any queries we had in advance of the work, they came on the date and the time that they said they would, they were very professional, very curtious, explained what they were doing, and okayed anything that might impact us (e.g. where was the best place to locate battery). I can’t fault anything, would definately recommend.
The team at Solar PV Panels Ireland installed 22 Solar panels and a 10kw battery at our house in Longford town recently. We are one month post install and are absolutely thrilled with the results. Even at this time of year (March) this system will cover our full electricity usage, with this likely to improve as the summer months come in. The install was very professionally finished, with Joe and team arriving here at 8am and finishing all works by 5pm. The work is very tidy and Claire in the office was super helpful with numerous quotes based on discussions before we went ahead. I couldn’t recommend Solar PV Panels Ireland enough, excellent service!
Your Greenhouse Solar PV Installation Process
1. Initial Consultation & Site Assessment: We start with a comprehensive energy audit of your greenhouse facility, assessing your current energy consumption, roof or land suitability (orientation, shading, structural integrity), and specific energy needs for your lighting, heating, cooling, and irrigation systems.
2. Custom System Design & Proposal: Our expert engineers design a bespoke solar PV system tailored to your greenhouse’s unique energy demands and horticultural requirements. You’ll get a detailed proposal outlining projected energy production, significant cost savings, and your estimated return on investment.
3. Grant Application & Financing Support: Navigating grants can be complex, but we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through accessing valuable SEAI grants (which can offer substantial support, potentially up to €162,600 for commercial systems), and discuss various financing options to make your investment even more accessible.
4. Permitting & Grid Connection: We handle all necessary planning permissions and liaise directly with ESB Networks to ensure a seamless grid connection approval for your greenhouse’s new solar system, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
5. Professional Installation: Our certified and experienced installation team works efficiently and with great care to install your solar system with minimal impact on your crops and daily operations. We prioritise safe and timely deployment to get your system generating power quickly.
6. System Commissioning & Handover: Once installed, we rigorously test your system to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. We then provide a thorough handover, explaining your new system’s operation and the advanced monitoring tools available to help you track your energy savings and system performance.
Estimate How Many Solar Panels You Need For Your Greenhouse
Small Businesses & Offices
20 – 45 Panels
7.0 – 15.0 kWp
Medium-Sized Enterprises & Restaurants
45 – 100 Panels
15.0 – 50.0 kWp
Large Commercial & Industrial Operations
100+ Panels
50.0+ kWp
Large Manufacturing & Energy-Intensive Businesses
300+ Panels
100.0+ kWp
Powering Ireland’s Greenhouses With Solar
Solar For Greenhouses in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Solar Panels Work During Winter in Greenhouses?
While solar panels generate more energy during sunnier months, they continue to work efficiently in winter. Modern PV systems are designed to produce power even in low-light or overcast conditions.
Do I Need Planning Permission To Install Solar Panels In My Greenhouse?
In most cases, no. Since 2022, planning permission is no longer required for rooftop solar panel installations on most homes and businesses in Ireland. This has made the process faster and more straightforward.
Can Greenhouses in Ireland Get Solar Panels?
At Solar PV Panels Ireland, we offer commercial solar panel installation for greenhouses, hotels, farms, offices, warehouses and more. Contact us today to find out how your business can benefit.
Can Greenhouse owners in Ireland sell solar electricity back to the grid?
Yes! Homeowners and businesses with a registered microgeneration system, such as solar panels, can sell surplus electricity back to the grid. Installing a smart meter alongside your solar panels is recommended to efficiently track and manage your energy output.
Are Solar Panels Affordable for Greenhouses?
Thanks to SEAI grants, solar panels are now more accessible than ever. Combined with long-term savings, the return on investment is excellent.
How Long Does Solar Panel Installation Take for Greenhouses?
Typically, installation takes 1 to 7 days depending on system size and property type. We aim to complete all installations efficiently while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.
How Long Does It Take for Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves?
Recent research indicates that solar panels in Ireland typically pay for themselves within six years and two months. This payback period has nearly halved in recent years, making solar an increasingly cost-effective investment.
Do I need to inform my electricity provider if I install solar panels in my Greenhouse?
Yes, notifying your electricity supplier is essential. This ensures proper energy management, accurate billing, and the ability to participate in any available feed-in tariff schemes.