How Much Are Solar Panels?

The cost of installing solar panels in Ireland varies depending on several factors—system size, roof type, energy usage, and eligibility for grant support. For most homeowners, the investment is now more affordable than ever, thanks to VAT relief and financial support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

Typical costs before and after grants
What affects the final price
How long it takes to break even
Additional supports for farmers and businesses

Whether you’re planning a small domestic system or a larger farm installation, this overview will give you a clear understanding of what to expect when investing in solar panels.

Average Cost of Solar Panel Installation in Ireland

The cost of installing solar PV systems in Ireland varies depending on your energy needs and property type. For most residential homes, the average price ranges between:

€6,000 and €12,000 before grant support
€5,200 and €8,200 after applying the SEAI solar grant

Larger systems for farms or commercial buildings—typically between 6 kWp and 10+ kWp—can cost from €12,000 to €20,000+, depending on complexity, roof type, and add-ons like battery storage.

What Does the SEAI Grant Cover?

For homeowners, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides a solar PV grant to help offset installation costs. The current rates (as of 2025) are:

€700 per kWp for the first 2 kWp
€200 per kWp for the next 2 kWp
Maximum grant value: €1,800

Example: A 4 kWp system receives the full €1,800 grant.

There is no separate grant for battery storage, but a well-sized system with good daytime usage can still deliver excellent returns without one.

Cost Breakdown: What You’re Paying For

Here’s what’s typically included in a solar panel installation quote:

1. Panels (€2,000–€4,500)

High-efficiency monocrystalline panels dominate the Irish market due to their performance in overcast conditions. Expect to pay:

€300–€400 per panel
Most homes install 10–14 panels, depending on system size

2. Inverter (€1,000–€2,500)

This converts the electricity from DC (produced by your panels) to AC (used in your home). Options include:

String inverters: common and affordable
Microinverters: individual panel optimisation (less common)

3. Mounting System and Wiring (€500–€2,000)

Includes rails, brackets, cabling, surge protection, and isolators. Pricing depends on your roof type (tile vs slate) and complexity.

4. Labour (€2,000–€4,000)

Installation costs vary by property size, accessibility, roof pitch, and whether structural reinforcement or fuse board upgrades are needed.

5. Optional Extras

Battery storage (5–10 kWh): €3,500–€7,500
Smart diverters or energy monitors: €300–€600
Scaffolding: €500–€1,000 for two-storey homes

What Affects the Total Cost?

System Size and Usage

Larger systems produce more electricity and benefit from economies of scale. For example:

A 2 kWp system might cost €2,500 per kWp
A 6 kWp system might drop to €1,500–€1,800 per kWp

EnergyServ uses your actual energy bills to determine the best system size—ensuring you don’t over- or under-invest.

Roof Type and Orientation

South-facing roofs perform best in Ireland. Installation is simpler—and cheaper—on flat, unobstructed roofs. Slate or complex roofs can increase mounting and labour costs.

Battery and EV Integration

If you’re planning to add an EV charger or heat pump in future, it may be worth sizing your system to accommodate those now. Adding a hybrid inverter early on avoids duplication of labour or equipment.

How Long Until Solar Panels Pay for Themselves?

With the SEAI grant and VAT relief (0% as of 2023), solar panels now pay for themselves in as little as 6–8 years for most homes.

Annual Savings:

Typical household: €600–€1,000/year
Add earnings via the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS): €100–€300/year

If you install a €7,000 system and save €1,000/year, the payback period is just 7 years, after which the system continues to produce free electricity for up to 25 years.

TAMS and Commercial Grant Support

For farmers, the TAMS III grant covers up to 60% of eligible costs under the Solar Capital Investment Scheme. This makes large-scale systems far more affordable for:

Milking parlours
Refrigeration and water heating
Sheds and workshops

For commercial and public-sector buildings, the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme also supports installations up to 6 kWp.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. When properly designed and grant-backed, solar panels deliver:

Long-term electricity savings
Reduced carbon emissions
Improved Building Energy Rating (BER)
Higher property value
Protection from rising electricity costs

And with EnergyServ, you’ll benefit from expert system design, professional installation, and full grant application support.

Final Thoughts: So, How Much Are Solar Panels?

In Ireland today, a well-designed solar panel system typically costs:

€6,000–€12,000 pre-grant
€5,200–€8,200 after SEAI support
Optional extras (battery, diverter, EV integration): add €3,000–€7,000 depending on configuration

The exact price depends on your needs, but with SEAI or TAMS support, the investment is now more affordable than ever.