Everything Irish homeowners ask us about going solar — costs, grants, batteries, installation and aftercare. Can't find your answer? Call us on 01 123 4567.
Cost, Savings & Grants
How much does a solar PV system cost in Ireland?
A typical 5.2 kWp system with a 10 kWh battery costs around €14,050 fully installed, after the SEAI grant is deducted and including VAT. Smaller panel-only systems start lower, and larger 7.8 kWp systems with bigger batteries cost more. Our 2-minute quote tool gives you an exact, fixed price for your home.
How much will I save on my electricity bill?
Most of our customers save between €650 and €920 per year depending on system size, roof orientation and how much of the solar energy they use themselves. Adding a battery typically pushes self-consumption above 80%, which is where the biggest savings come from.
What SEAI grant am I entitled to?
Homeowners can currently claim up to €1,800 from the SEAI towards a solar PV installation. The grant amount depends on system size and your home's eligibility (generally homes built and occupied before 2021). We show the grant deducted directly in your quote.
Do you handle the SEAI grant paperwork?
Yes — completely. We submit your SEAI grant application, handle the post-works documentation and BER requirements, and also submit the NC6 microgeneration notification to ESB Networks on your behalf. You don't need to fill in a single form.
Is there VAT on solar panels?
No. Since May 2023, the supply and installation of solar panels on private dwellings in Ireland is zero-rated for VAT. All prices in our quotes already reflect this.
Can I pay monthly or get finance?
Yes. Systems can be financed from around €126/month through our finance partners or a green home improvement loan from your bank or credit union, subject to approval. Many customers find the monthly repayment is similar to the saving on their electricity bill.
What is the payback period?
Typically 4 to 5 years for a solar + battery system, once you account for bill savings and export payments. After that, the system generates effectively free electricity for the rest of its 25+ year life.
Can I sell excess electricity back to the grid?
Yes. Under the Clean Export Guarantee, your electricity supplier pays you for every unit you export — currently around 18–24c per kWh depending on the supplier. You'll need a smart meter, which ESB Networks installs free of charge if you don't have one.
Suitability & Planning
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Most Irish roofs are. South, south-east and south-west facing roofs perform best, but east-west roofs still capture around 85% of the energy and often spread generation more evenly across the day. We confirm suitability with satellite imagery at quote stage and in person at your free site assessment.
Do I need planning permission?
In almost all cases, no. Since 2022, rooftop solar on houses is exempt from planning permission with no area limit. Exceptions apply near airports and for protected structures — we check this for you before installation.
Do solar panels actually work in Irish weather?
Yes. Panels generate from daylight, not just direct sunshine. A well-sited system in Ireland produces roughly 950–1,100 kWh per kWp installed each year. They even perform slightly more efficiently in cooler temperatures.
What if I have a flat roof?
No problem — we use ballasted A-frame mounting systems that angle the panels correctly without penetrating the roof membrane. Just select “Flat Roof” in the quote tool and the price adjusts automatically.
My house is older — can I still get solar?
Usually, yes. At the site assessment we check the roof condition, attic access and your fuse board. If anything needs upgrading (for example an older consumer unit) we tell you up front and include it in your fixed price — no surprises on installation day.
What size system do I need?
It depends on your annual electricity usage. As a guide, a home using around 4,200 kWh a year suits a 5.2 kWp system with a 10 kWh battery. Higher usage, an EV or a heat pump usually point to 6.4 or 7.8 kWp. Our quote tool recommends the right size automatically.
Battery & Technology
Do I need a battery?
It's optional but strongly recommended in Ireland. Without one, solar generated during the day is lost to the grid if you're not home to use it. A battery stores it for the evening, lifting self-consumption to 80%+ and roughly doubling your savings.
What happens during a power cut?
For safety, a standard grid-tied system shuts down during an outage. If backup power matters to you, we can fit an EPS (Emergency Power Supply) option that keeps essential circuits — fridge, lights, broadband — running from the battery. Ask about it at your site assessment.
What is a hybrid inverter?
It's the brain of the system — a single unit that manages your panels, battery and grid connection together, deciding in real time whether to use, store or export your solar energy. A high-efficiency hybrid inverter is included as standard in every ClearRay Ireland system.
Can solar power charge my electric vehicle?
Yes. Paired with a smart EV charger, your system can divert excess solar straight into your car instead of exporting it. We supply and install solar-aware EV chargers — just mention it when booking your assessment.
Can I monitor my system?
Yes — every system includes a free monitoring app showing live generation, battery level, home usage and savings. Our team also monitors remotely and is automatically alerted if a fault ever develops.
Can I add more panels or battery capacity later?
Yes. We deliberately size inverters with headroom, and our batteries are modular, so extra capacity can be stacked later. If you're planning an EV or heat pump, tell us and we'll future-proof the design from day one.
Installation & Aftercare
How long does installation take?
Almost all of our installs are completed in a single day. Scaffolding goes up the day before, our crew installs and commissions the system, sets up your monitoring app and tidies up — you're generating by that evening.
What happens at the free site assessment?
A surveyor visits for around 45 minutes to check your roof, attic, fuse board and meter location, confirm the design and answer your questions. Your quoted price is then confirmed and locked in — it's completely free and there's no obligation.
How soon can you install after I accept my quote?
Typically 3–4 weeks from acceptance, depending on SEAI grant approval and scaffolding scheduling. We confirm your installation date in writing and keep you updated at every step.
Are your installers certified?
Yes. ClearRay Ireland is an SEAI Registered installer, our electricians are Safe Electric registered, and we carry full public liability insurance. Every installation is certified and notified to ESB Networks (NC6) as required.
What warranties do I get?
Panels carry a 25-year performance warranty, batteries 10 years, inverters 5–10 years depending on model, and our own workmanship is guaranteed for 2 years. All warranty documents are issued at handover.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Practically none. Irish rain keeps panels clean, there are no moving parts, and the monitoring system flags any performance issues automatically. An optional health check is available every few years if you want extra peace of mind.
Still have a question?
Talk to a real person on 01 123 4567, or get your fixed-price quote in 2 minutes.