Solar panels work well in Ireland. They run on daylight, not heat or direct sunshine, so they generate on cloudy days too. Around three-quarters of a year’s output comes between May and September. With SEAI grants, 0% VAT and payment for the power you export, solar is one of the most popular home energy upgrades in the country.
This guide is written by Solar PV Panels Ireland, an SEAI-registered installer based in Ballymahon, Co. Longford. It draws on the several hundred systems we’ve installed since January 2025.
What does a typical Irish home system look like?
From our recent jobs, a typical family home has:
- 13 to 22 panels of around 445 to 470 W each (roughly 6 to 10 kWp)
- a 5 kW hybrid inverter, usually Sigenergy
- a 10 kWh battery, so daytime solar powers your evening
- optimisers on any panels shaded by chimneys, dormers or trees
Smaller roofs can take as few as 7 panels. Homes with more land often go for a ground mount of 18 to 22 panels.
How much do solar panels cost in Ireland?
These are typical prices after SEAI grants, based on around 200 of our own installations since mid-2025:
- 12 to 16 panels on a roof with a 10 kWh battery: about €7,800 to €9,300
- 18 to 24 panels on a roof with a battery: about €9,350 to €11,700
- 18 to 22 panels on a ground mount with a battery: about €11,400 to €14,000
The final price depends on the number of panels, the roof type, whether you add a battery or EV charger, and any electrical upgrades an older house needs. We give you a fixed price after the survey.
What grants are available?
- SEAI Solar Electricity Grant: up to €1,800 for the panels, plus €600 for a battery of 5 kWh or more (up to €2,400 in total). Your home must have been built and occupied before 1 January 2025.
- Higher grant for certain welfare recipients: up to €8,400 for the panels, or €9,000 with a battery. See if you qualify.
- 0% VAT on solar panels and batteries supplied and fitted on homes.
- Farms: TAMS 3. Farms and businesses: the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant, up to €162,600.
You must get your SEAI grant offer before any work starts. Read our full grant guide.
Getting paid for the power you export
When your panels make more than you’re using, the extra goes to the grid and your supplier pays you for it. Rates vary by supplier: Electric Ireland was paying 19.5c per kWh in mid-2026, and other suppliers’ rates differed. The first €400 a year of this income is tax-free. You’ll need a smart meter to be paid for what you actually export.
Do you need a battery?
No, but most of our customers add one. Without a battery, you use solar as it’s made and export the rest. With one, you store daytime solar for the evening, when most homes use the most power. The battery also qualifies for the €600 SEAI grant.
Roof or ground mount?
A south, east or west-facing roof with little shading suits most homes. If your roof is shaded, north-facing or too small, a ground-mounted system on a frame in the garden or field can face the ideal direction.
Do you need planning permission?
Most homes don’t need planning permission for rooftop panels, but there are conditions on size and position. We check this at the survey.
How long does it take?
The installation itself usually takes 1 to 2 days. From survey to switch-on, allow 4 to 12 weeks depending on the time of year, mainly for the SEAI grant offer.
Choosing an installer
- Make sure they’re SEAI-registered, or you won’t get the grant.
- Ask whether their own team does the work, and whether the electricians are Safe Electric registered.
- Check recent Google reviews and ask to see jobs near you.
- Get a fixed, written quote that lists the panels, inverter, battery and warranty.
Joseph Reilly is a qualified electrical contractor and owner of Solar PV Panels Ireland, and a leading energy consultant. He helps homeowners generate their own clean electricity, cutting carbon emissions and increasing their building’s energy rating for a more sustainable and cost-effective future.
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!