Solar panels in Ireland — straight answers
The questions homeowners actually ask, answered without the sales pitch.
How much do solar panels cost in Ireland?
A typical domestic 4–5 kWp system (around 9–12 panels) generally costs €7,000–€11,000 before the grant — roughly €5,200–€9,200 after the €1,800 SEAI grant. A battery adds €2,000–€4,000. Prices vary with roof complexity, location and hardware; browse real published prices we've captured from installer sites, and always get 2–3 written quotes.
What solar grants are available in 2026?
The SEAI Solar Electricity Grant pays up to €1,800 in 2026. Your home must have been built and occupied before 31 December 2020, and you must use an SEAI-registered installer. Full breakdown on our grants page.
Are solar panels worth it in Ireland?
For most homes with a reasonable roof, yes. Despite the weather, a 4 kWp system in Ireland generates roughly 3,400–3,800 kWh a year. Between avoided electricity costs and export payments (15–25c per kWh in 2026), typical payback is around 6–9 years against a 25+ year panel warranty. South-facing roofs do best, but east–west arrays work well too.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually no — since October 2022, rooftop solar on most houses is exempt, with limited exceptions (protected structures, certain zones near airports). Your installer will flag it if your home is affected.
Should I get a battery too?
A battery lifts self-consumption and lets you charge cheap night-rate electricity, but adds €2,000–€4,000 with no grant (the battery grant ended in 2022). Out all day, or on a smart tariff? A battery often earns its keep. High daytime usage? Panels alone may pay back faster. You can filter installers who fit batteries and compare the brands they use.
How do I choose an installer?
Check they're SEAI-registered (required for the grant), read their Google reviews, confirm they serve your county, ask which panel/inverter/battery brands they fit and the warranty on each, and get 2–3 written quotes for like-for-like system sizes. That comparison is exactly what this site is for.
What is SEAI registration?
The SEAI keeps the official register of solar PV companies approved for grant-supported installations. Using one is a condition of the grant, and registered companies work to the scheme's code of practice. Our directory imports that register in full.
Where does this site's data come from?
The official SEAI register, installers' own public websites (brands, services, published prices — every fact links to its source), and Google ratings via the Places API. Read more about SolarSelect and how our crawler behaves.