How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Ireland?
Solar panels in Ireland cost between €5,000 and €14,000 before the SEAI grant, depending on system size. After the grant of up to €1,800 and with 0% VAT on residential installations, a typical 10-panel (4.4 kWp) system costs €5,500–€7,500 net. The system pays for itself in 4–6 years and generates free electricity for 25+ years.
Prices as of early 2026. Based on quotes from Irish SEAI-registered installers.
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
How much do solar panels cost by system size?
Prices are for supply-and-install packages from SEAI-registered installers, including panels, inverter, mounting, and electrical works. All prices include 0% VAT (residential). The SEAI grant is deducted to show your net out-of-pocket cost.
| System Size | Panels | Cost Before Grant | SEAI Grant | Net Cost | Annual Output | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 kWp | 6 | €4,600–€5,500 | €1,528 | €3,100–€4,000 | ~2,300 kWh | 4–5 yrs |
| 3.5 kWp | 8 | €6,100–€7,200 | €1,704 | €4,400–€5,500 | ~3,100 kWh | 4–5 yrs |
| 4.4 kWp | 10 | €7,300–€9,300 | €1,800 (max) | €5,500–€7,500 | ~3,900 kWh | 4–6 yrs |
| 5.3 kWp | 12 | €9,200–€10,800 | €1,800 (max) | €7,400–€9,000 | ~4,700 kWh | 5–6 yrs |
| 7–8.8 kWp | 16–20 | €12,200–€15,400 | €1,800 (max) | €10,400–€13,600 | ~6,200–7,800 kWh | 5–7 yrs |
Based on average installer quotes at ~€1,750/kWp. Prices vary by installer, equipment brand, and roof complexity. The 4.4 kWp system (highlighted) is the most popular size as it maximises the SEAI grant.
What Does the Cost Include?
Solar panel quotes in Ireland are supply-and-install — there is no separate installation fee. Here is how the cost of a typical 4.4 kWp (10-panel) system breaks down.
| Component | Approx. Cost | % of Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels (10 × 440W) | €2,500–€3,500 | 35–40% | Jinko, JA Solar, Trina (Tier 1 N-type TOPCon) |
| Hybrid Inverter | €1,200–€1,800 | 15–20% | Huawei, Solis, or Sungrow hybrid |
| Mounting & Cabling | €800–€1,200 | 10–15% | Roof brackets, DC/AC cabling, isolators |
| Installation Labour | €1,500–€2,000 | 20–25% | 1–2 day install, Safe Electric cert |
| BER Assessment | €150–€300 | 2–4% | Required for SEAI grant. Paid by homeowner. |
| ESB Connection (NC6) | €0 | — | Handled by installer. No fee for residential. |
| Total Before Grant | €7,300–€9,300 | 100% | At 0% VAT (residential) |
| Less SEAI Grant | −€1,800 | Paid to your bank account in 4–6 weeks | |
| Your Net Cost | €5,500–€7,500 |
How Much Does a Solar Battery Cost?
Adding a battery to your solar system increases self-consumption from around 55% to 75–85%, but adds significant cost. Batteries are optional and not covered by the SEAI grant.
| Battery | Capacity | Approx. Cost | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei Luna2000 (1 module) | 5 kWh | €3,100–€4,000 | 8–10 yrs |
| Huawei Luna2000 (2 modules) | 10 kWh | €5,300–€6,200 | 9–11 yrs |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | €9,000–€11,500 | 10–13 yrs |
Battery payback depends heavily on your usage pattern and export rate. If you work from home and use most electricity during the day, a battery may not be cost-effective.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Ireland?
A typical 4.4 kWp solar system in Ireland pays for itself in 4–6 years through electricity savings and export income. After payback, the system generates free electricity for another 19–21 years. Here is a year-by-year view.
| Year | Cumulative Savings | Net Position | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (Install) | €0 | −€5,900 | Investment |
| 1 | €1,050 | −€4,850 | |
| 2 | €2,100 | −€3,800 | |
| 3 | €3,150 | −€2,750 | |
| 4 | €4,200 | −€1,700 | |
| 5 | €5,250 | −€650 | |
| 6 | €6,300 | +€400 | Payback reached |
| 10 | €10,500 | +€4,600 | |
| 15 | €15,750 | +€9,850 | Inverter may need replacing (~€1,500) |
| 25 | €26,250 | +€18,850 | 3.2× return on investment |
Based on net cost of €5,900, annual savings of €1,050 (self-consumption at 35c/kWh + export at 19c/kWh), and 0.4%/yr panel degradation. Does not account for electricity price increases (which would improve the ROI). Inverter replacement at year 12–15 costs approximately €1,500.
How Much Do Solar Panels Save Per Month?
Monthly savings from a 4.4 kWp solar system vary with the seasons. Summer months deliver the highest savings, while winter months still contribute meaningful reductions to your electricity bill.
| Period | Monthly Output | Monthly Savings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (May–Aug) | ~450–550 kWh | €100–€150 | Peak output. Long days, high sun angle. |
| Spring/Autumn (Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct) | ~250–350 kWh | €50–€80 | Good output. Surprisingly productive months. |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | ~100–200 kWh | €20–€40 | Lower but still meaningful contribution. |
| Annual Average | ~325 kWh/month | €70–€100/month | €800–€1,200 total per year |
Savings include self-consumption value (55% × 35c/kWh) and export income (45% × 19c/kWh). Actual savings depend on your usage pattern, county, roof orientation, and export rate.
What Affects the Price of Solar Panels?
System Size
The biggest factor. More panels = higher cost, but the cost-per-kWp drops with larger systems due to shared fixed costs (scaffolding, inverter, labour). The 4.4 kWp sweet spot maximises the SEAI grant.
Equipment Brand
Premium panels (SunPower, Aiko) cost 15–30% more than mid-range (Jinko, JA Solar). Inverter choice also matters — Enphase microinverters cost more than Huawei or Solis hybrids. Most homeowners get excellent results with mid-range equipment.
Roof Type & Access
Standard pitched roofs are cheapest to install on. Flat roofs need tilt frames (extra €500–€1,000). Slate roofs, three-storey houses, or difficult access may add scaffolding costs of €500–€1,500.
Battery Storage
Adding a 5 kWh battery adds €3,000–€4,000. A 10 kWh battery adds €5,000–€6,500. Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh) costs €9,000–€11,500. Batteries are not covered by the SEAI grant.
Installer Pricing
Prices vary 15–25% between SEAI-registered installers for the same system. Always get 3+ quotes. The cheapest isn't always best — compare equipment, warranty terms, and aftercare included.
Location
Location affects output (and therefore ROI) more than it affects installation cost. Wexford systems produce 9% more than Donegal, but installation prices are similar nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Costs
How much do solar panels cost in Ireland?
Solar panels in Ireland cost approximately €1,750 per kWp before the SEAI grant, at 0% VAT. A typical 10-panel (4.4 kWp) system costs €7,300–€9,300 before the grant, or €5,500–€7,500 after the €1,800 SEAI grant. Prices vary by installer and equipment brand.
Is the SEAI solar grant still available?
Yes. The SEAI solar PV grant is confirmed for 2026 at up to €1,800 for systems of 4 kWp or larger. The grant is available for homes built and occupied before 2021. Your installer must be on the SEAI registered list. Apply at seai.ie before installation begins.
How long until solar panels pay for themselves?
A typical 4.4 kWp system in Ireland pays for itself in 4–6 years through electricity savings and export income. After payback, you get 19–21 years of near-free electricity. The 25-year return is typically 3–4× the initial investment.
Why do solar panel prices vary between installers?
Prices vary due to different equipment brands (budget vs premium), installer overheads, regional demand, and what's included (some quotes exclude BER assessment or scaffolding). Always compare like-for-like — check the panel brand, inverter model, warranty terms, and whether scaffolding is included.
Are solar panels cheaper now than 5 years ago?
Yes. Solar panel prices in Ireland have dropped approximately 30–40% over the past 5 years due to manufacturing scale, improved technology, and the introduction of 0% VAT in May 2023. Combined with the SEAI grant, solar has never been more affordable in Ireland.
Do I need to pay VAT on solar panels?
No. Since May 2023, residential solar panel installations in Ireland are zero-rated for VAT (0%). This applies when supply and installation are a single contract from an SEAI-registered installer. If you buy panels separately, the standard 13.5% VAT applies.
How much do solar panels save per month?
A 4.4 kWp system saves an average of €70–€100 per month across the year. Summer savings are highest (€100–€150/month) and winter lowest (€20–€40/month). Total annual savings are €800–€1,200 including self-consumption and export income.
Is it worth adding a battery?
Batteries increase self-consumption but have longer payback (8–11 years). A 5 kWh battery costs €3,000–€4,000. If you use most electricity in the evening, have an EV or heat pump, or want backup power, a battery can make sense. If budget is tight, panels alone give better ROI.
Related Guides
Sources
- SEAI — Solar Electricity Grant — seai.ie
- SEAI — Registered Solar PV Companies — seai.ie
- Revenue — VAT on Solar Panels — revenue.ie
The Solar Info editorial team researches and writes comprehensive guides on solar energy in Ireland. Our content is fact-checked against official SEAI data and updated regularly to reflect the latest grant rates and industry developments.
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