How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Ireland? 2025 Guide

Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular choice among Irish homeowners and businesses, not just for cutting down on the ever-increasing electricity bills, but also for reducing their environmental footprint. While the initial investment in solar panels may seem like a big step, there are several factors that can shape the final cost to fit different budgets and needs.

In this guide, our experts at IDEAL Solar and Electrical will walk you through the typical costs of solar panels in Dublin and across Ireland, the savings you can expect, and why solar panels might be one of the best upgrades you can make to Irish homes and businesses, both for your wallet and for the planet.

What Affects Solar Panel Prices in Ireland?

The cost of installing solar panels in Ireland ranges significantly, with the average residential installation costing between €6,000 and €10,000 for a system capable of generating 4 to 8 kW.

Here’s a breakdown of the main factors affecting prices:

Panel Type and Quality: Solar panels vary in efficiency and durability. In Ireland, photovoltaic (PV) panels are the most popular choice, with options like monocrystalline panels offering higher efficiency and a longer lifespan. These may cost a bit more initially but can deliver better long-term savings. Polycrystalline panels, while typically less expensive, may not perform quite as well over the years, so it’s worth considering your energy goals when choosing.

System Size: The size of your solar system has a big impact on both upfront costs and potential savings. Larger systems produce more energy, which can lead to greater savings over time. For example, a 4 kW system might cost between €6,000 and €7,500, while a 5 kW system could range from €9,000 to €13,000 before any grants are applied.

Government Incentives: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants that make solar more affordable. Homeowners can get up to €2,100 for residential systems, depending on the size. For businesses, farms, schools, and non-profits, SEAI also offers a grant, providing up to €162,600 for larger systems up to 1,000 kWp.

Battery Storage Options: Adding a battery to your solar system will let you store excess energy, which can be especially useful if you’re often away during peak sunlight hours. A battery generally adds between €2,500 – €5,000 to installation costs, depending on its capacity, but it can also help maximise your self-use and savings.

Installation Complexity: The complexity of your solar installation can influence costs. Factors such as roof type, shading, or the need for additional electrical work may require extra adjustments. For example, in areas with significant shading, optimizers can be added to help maximize system performance by mitigating the effects of shading on individual panels.

In addition, to ensure that your solar PV system is safely installed and certified, your household electrics must meet the minimum safety standards set by Safe Electric( Safe Electric – Welcome to Safe Electric). In some cases, electrical upgrades may be required. These upgrades can include mains cable replacements, fuseboard upgrades, installation of an earth rod, and proper earth bonding to water and gas pipes.

All of this is thoroughly assessed during the survey stage to ensure a smooth installation process and that all safety requirements are met.

How Do Solar Panels Save You Money?

Installing solar panels is a fantastic option for anyone looking to take control of their electricity bills. By generating your own power, a well-sized solar PV system can bring energy bills down by as much as 80%, depending on how much energy your household uses. An EDDI hot water diverter can boost these savings even further. This clever device diverts extra solar energy to heat water, allowing households to save up to 60% on water heating costs. By maximising self-use, an EDDI increases energy independence and helps reduce overall utility expenses, giving you even more value from your solar system.

On top of this, many Irish homeowners can also earn money back through the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), which pays for surplus energy sent back to the grid – sometimes up to €0.25 per kWh, depending on your supplier. This additional income can help speed up the return on your investment of solar panels, making it easier to cover the upfront costs.

Long-term, solar energy is a great way to hedge against fluctuating energy prices, by adding stability and savings as costs continue to rise. And there’s another bonus: homes with renewable energy systems in Ireland tend to see higher property values, making solar panels not only a great energy choice but also a smart investment in your property’s future.

How Long Does It Take to Make Your Money Back on Solar Panels?

The payback period for solar panels in Ireland typically ranges from 6 to 10 years, depending on factors such as system size, installation costs, household energy use, and available sunlight. For a standard 4 kW system, Irish homeowners could expect to save between €700 and €1,000 on their energy bills every year, meaning the system could pay for itself within 6-8 years. Homes with larger systems or those that take advantage of the MSS (Microgeneration Support Scheme) and sell surplus energy back to the grid could even see shorter payback periods. Once your solar panels have paid for themselves, all the electricity they generate is essentially free, creating long-term savings that can last 25 years or more!

Investing in a solar battery can take these savings even further. By storing any excess energy your panels produce, a solar battery allows you to tap into that reserve when you need it most, maximizing self-use and reducing reliance on the grid. This is especially handy for households with higher daytime energy needs. Additionally, you can program your battery to charge from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, allowing you to take advantage of discounted electricity to use during peak times. Unused energy can also be sold back to the grid for payment, further increasing your potential savings.

What Does the Solar Panel Installation Process Look Like?

Ready to get your solar system up and running in just one day? With our skilled team here at IDEAL, switching to solar is fast, seamless, and designed to fit smoothly into your routine. Here’s what to expect during the installation process:

Initial Consultation and Assessment: Our process starts with a thorough survey of your property. Our solar experts check your roof’s orientation, shading, and structure to create a custom setup that maximises sunlight capture and efficiency. During this survey, we will also assess if any electrical upgrade works are required to ensure your system meets the safety guidelines set by Safe Electric. This may include upgrades to your fuseboard, mains cable, or grounding system, ensuring a safe and compliant installation.

System Design: After the survey, we design a solar system tailored to your energy needs and property layout. This ensures that your system is optimised for the highest possible savings and energy production. Based on our assessment, we’ll provide a detailed proposal, which includes a comprehensive list of materials, warranties, estimated payback times, and high-quality imagery of the proposed setup. This gives you a clear and transparent understanding of what to expect from your solar installation.

Additionally, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide and take you through the SEAI grant application process, ensuring you make the most of available financial support.
Installation Steps and Time Frame: On the day of installation, our team works quickly and efficiently to minimise disruption to your routine. The Solar PV system will be fully installed and commissioned, and we will provide a thorough walk-through of the work completed. Additionally, we’ll set up the solar monitoring app and guide you through its features, ensuring you have full control over your system.

Final Steps: Following installation, a BER (Building Energy Rating) assessment will be carried out, and we will complete your SEAI grant application. Additionally, we’ll provide you with a customer pack that includes warranties, user guides, system certifications, and imagery of the work completed.

With IDEAL Solar and Electrical, every step is handled professionally and with safety in mind, ensuring a reliable system that meets all regulatory standards in Ireland.

Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels in Ireland?

In short, absolutely! Solar panels are a smart investment for Irish homeowners, businesses, and community organisations. Despite our often cloudy weather here in Ireland, modern solar panels generate electricity from both direct and indirect sunlight, making them effective all year-round in the Irish climate. Plus, with support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the cost of installing solar can be significantly reduced for both homeowners and businesses.

For Homeowners
Homeowners can receive up to €2,100 through SEAI’s Solar PV Grant. This support for domestic solar panels in Ireland is designed to help with the cost of installing systems that generate clean, renewable energy. The grant amount adjusts based on system size, ensuring that installations are affordable for various home types. To qualify for this solar panel grant, homes must be built and occupied before December 31, 2020, and must not have received prior Solar PV funding for the same MPRN. Once approved, installation and documentation must be completed within eight months to secure the grant.

For Businesses and Organisations
Businesses, farms, schools, and community centres can also benefit from solar adoption through SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant. This initiative supports installations up to 1,000 kWp, providing grants of up to €162,600. Using this solar panel grant, organisations in Ireland will not only reduce operational costs but also enhance their sustainability credentials. This level of support is ideal for organisations looking to make significant strides in energy independence and cost savings.

Overall, the savings and reduced energy costs make solar panels a solid long-term investment, giving Irish homeowners a winning combination of economic and environmental benefits.

Thank you for reading our blog ‘How Much Do Solar Panels Cost and Do They Save You Money? Your Guide to Solar Panels in Ireland’. Ready to start your journey to cleaner, greener energy? Contact IDEAL Solar and Electrical for a personalised quote and see how solar can work for you.