Solar panel installation: step-by-step guide
Thinking of installing solar panels on your Irish home? Here’s a complete guide to the process — from getting quotes and applying for the SEAI grant, to what happens on installation day and beyond.
- Step 1: Get quotes from registered installers
- Step 2: Apply for the SEAI Solar PV Grant
- Step 3: Site survey and system design
- Step 4: Solar panel installation day
- Step 5: Post-installation checks and BER assessment
- Step 6: Grant payment and Clean Export Guarantee
- Timeline: How long does it all take?
- Get started with your solar installation
Get solar panel quotes and advice
Step 1: Get quotes from registered installers
Start by gathering quotes from SEAI-registered solar installers. These professionals will assess your roof space, energy usage, and budget to recommend a system that suits your home.
✅ Tip: Choose an installer that handles the grant paperwork and BER assessments — it’ll save time later on.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks to compare quotes and make a decision
Step 2: Apply for the SEAI Solar PV Grant
Once you’ve chosen your installer, you’ll need to apply for the SEAI Solar PV Grant before any work begins. Your installer will guide you through the application, which is done online through the SEAI website.
After approval, you’ll receive a Grant Offer Letter, which is valid for 8 months — giving you time to carry out the work.
Estimated time: 3–10 working days for grant approval
Step 3: Site survey and system design
Your chosen installer will visit your home for a technical survey, confirming things like:
- Roof suitability and orientation
- Shading from trees or nearby buildings
- Electrical setup and fuse board compatibility
- Ideal inverter and panel layout
They’ll then finalise the system design and order the equipment needed.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks after grant approval
Step 4: Solar panel installation day
The big day! Most residential installations are completed in 1–2 days, depending on system size and complexity. During installation, your installer will:
- Fit the mounting structure and solar panels
- Install the inverter and safety systems
- Connect the panels to your fuse board
- Test the system and commission it
Your home will experience minimal disruption — most of the work is external or in the attic.
Estimated time: 1–2 days for installation works
Step 5: Post-installation checks and BER assessment
To finalise your grant claim, your installer will:
- Arrange for a post-works BER assessment
- Submit documents and system details to SEAI
- Provide warranty information and a handover pack
This step is essential — the SEAI needs your updated BER certificate before it will release your grant payment.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks after installation
Step 6: Grant payment and Clean Export Guarantee
Once SEAI has received and verified your documents, they’ll issue the grant payment directly to you, typically within 4–6 weeks.
You can also register with your electricity supplier for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) to receive payments for any excess electricity your system exports to the grid.
- SEAI grant payment: 4–6 weeks after submission
- CEG setup: Varies by supplier, usually 1–2 weeks
Timeline: How long does it all take?
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Comparing quotes | 1–2 weeks |
| SEAI grant application & approval | 3–10 working days |
| Site survey and design confirmation | 1–2 weeks |
| Installation day(s) | 1–2 days |
| Post-installation BER and documents | 1–2 weeks |
| SEAI grant payment | 4–6 weeks after submission |
| Total time from quote to grant paid | 6–10 weeks on average |
Note: Timelines may vary depending on installer availability, SEAI processing times, and your own schedule.
Get started with your solar installation
Now that you know what to expect, you can start your solar journey with confidence. The key is choosing a reliable, SEAI-registered installer who can guide you through the paperwork, design, and installation with ease.
At Solarpanels.ie, we connect you with trusted solar providers in Ireland. Simply fill out a short form to get personalised quotes — and take the first step toward a greener, more energy-efficient home.
