Residential solar panels in Ireland
Want to lower your energy bills and make your home more efficient? Solar panels are a smart, sustainable investment. With SEAI grants of up to €1,800 and no planning permission required, it’s never been easier to switch to renewable energy in Ireland.
Check your eligibility for solar panel grants
No planning permission needed
Since 7 October 2022, homeowners can install rooftop solar panels without planning permission — no matter where they live in Ireland. There’s also no cap on the area of solar panels you can install, making it easier to maximise energy production at home.
Why choose solar PV for your home?
Installing solar panels brings immediate and long-term benefits, including:
- Lower electricity bills by generating your own power
- Increased energy efficiency and improved BER rating
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
- Lower carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint
Solar PV systems are quiet, clean, and built to last. Once installed, they provide renewable energy for 25 years or more with minimal maintenance.
How domestic solar PV works
Solar panels, usually mounted on your roof, convert daylight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter transforms this into alternating current (AC) for use in your home. Systems are rated in kilowatt peak (kWp). For example, a 1kWp system typically requires three panels.
Any excess electricity you don’t use can be stored in a battery, redirected to your immersion heater, or exported to the grid. Smart design helps ensure the energy you produce is put to use efficiently.
Is your home ready for solar?
Before installing a PV system, consider improving your home’s overall energy efficiency. SEAI recommends:
- Insulating walls and attics
- Upgrading to energy-efficient windows
- Considering a heat pump to modernise your heating
Once these upgrades are in place, solar PV can significantly reduce your dependence on the grid.
Choosing the right system size
The ideal system depends on your energy usage, budget, and available roof space. Your installer will also consider:
- Your home’s electricity demand and usage patterns
- Roof orientation and potential shading
- Roof size and structural suitability
- Your goal for self-consumption and long-term savings
What’s included in a typical solar PV setup?
A residential solar PV system generally includes:
- Solar panels (modules): Usually around 1.8m x 1m in size and mounted using durable roof supports
- Mounting system: Rails, hooks, and clamps to secure the panels
- Inverter: Converts electricity from DC to AC — hybrid inverters are ideal if you plan to add a battery
- Optional extras: Battery storage, hot water diverters, or monitoring systems to track performance
Many systems include a digital monitoring feature that helps you track energy production, consumption, and export in real time.
Maintenance and aftercare
Solar panels require very little maintenance. They’re self-cleaning in most cases, though periodic checks for debris, leaves or dirt can help keep them performing at their best.
Your installer should provide a clear operation and maintenance (O&M) manual, product datasheets, and warranty documentation. Be sure to ask about after-sales service and system support.
Installation costs and SEAI grant support
Save up to €1,800 with SEAI support
Make your switch to solar more affordable with grant assistance.
To understand your savings, request a detailed quote. This should include the total cost, projected annual generation, system components, warranties, grant eligibility, and payment options. Make sure to clarify what is and isn’t included — especially for extras like batteries, diverters, or VAT.
What are the SEAI grant requirements?
Before installation begins, you must apply for and receive SEAI grant approval. Grants are only paid out once:
- The system is installed by a Registered SEAI Installer
- All supporting documentation is submitted, including BER assessment
- The installation meets SEAI’s design and safety standards
Be sure your installer provides all necessary datasheets, O&M documents, and system performance estimates. Grant applications and payments are completed online by your installer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?
No. Planning permission is no longer required for domestic rooftop solar systems across Ireland.
How much can I save each year?
Depending on system size and usage, you could save between €300 and €1,000 annually on your electricity bills.
Can I store solar energy for later?
Yes. With a battery or hot water diverter, you can store or repurpose excess solar electricity instead of sending it to the grid.
Is a smart meter needed for the SEAI grant?
No. A smart meter is not required to access SEAI grant support for solar panel installation.
What happens after installation?
Your installer will provide full documentation and guide you through system use. Be sure to ask about servicing and warranty terms.
