Solar Panels in Ireland: Panel costs, Government grants
Share
Solar Panel Efficiency and Installation Costs
The cost of installing solar panels for an average 3-bedroom, semi-detached house in Ireland is around €6,145. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants for solar panel installations based on the system's output capacity, with a maximum grant of €2,100 available until 2029. After this point, the grant will phase out. Solar panels can significantly reduce your annual electricity costs, allow for potential earnings by selling excess energy back to the grid, and contribute to reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar Panel Costs by House Size
Solar panel installation costs vary depending on the size of the house and the system's rated capacity. The following table provides an estimated cost breakdown by house size, after accounting for grants:
| House Size | Rated Capacity | kWh per Year | Cost After Grant | CO₂ Saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Bed Terraced | 3.40 kW | 3,000 kWh | €5,901 | 950 kg |
| 3-Bed Semi-Detached | 4.30 kW | 3,500 kWh | €6,145 | 1,000 kg |
| 4-Bed Detached | 5.20 kW | 4,750 kWh | €6,565 | 2,000 kg |
| 6-Bed Detached | 6.8 kW | 6,000 kWh | €7,338 | 2,000 kg |
Solar Battery Costs
For homeowners interested in maximizing energy storage, a solar battery can be a valuable addition. Solar batteries cost between €1,500 to €4,000 and allow you to store generated energy for later use. Through Ireland's Microgeneration Support Scheme, you can also earn money by exporting excess energy back into the grid.
SEAI Solar Panel Grant Amounts (2024)
The SEAI grant amounts are based on the system’s peak output, measured in kilowatt peak (kWp):
| Kilowatt Peak (kWp) | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 kWp | €800 |
| 2 kWp | €1,600 |
| 3 kWp | €1,850 |
| 4 kWp | €2,100 |
Source: Citizens Information (Last updated: August 6, 2024)
Grants cover both labour and material costs for installation but don’t cover ongoing maintenance or repair costs. The grant cap will reduce annually by €300 until 2029, anticipating that solar technology costs will decrease over time.
Are Solar Panels Suitable for Ireland?
Though Ireland has a cloudy climate, solar panels remain effective due to their ability to capture energy even in indirect sunlight. The lower sunlight intensity in winter months may affect energy production, but the overall energy generated can still significantly reduce electricity costs throughout the year.
Benefits of Solar Panels
- Environmental Impact: Solar panels generate renewable energy without greenhouse gas emissions, making them a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
- Cost Savings: Switching to solar can reduce electricity bills substantially. With average savings of €500 per year, a typical solar setup can pay for itself in as little as 3 to 4 years.
- Energy Independence: By producing your own electricity, you reduce reliance on the national grid. A solar battery can further increase this autonomy by storing power for use during outages.
Estimated Annual Savings with 4 PV Solar Panels
A standard installation of four PV panels offers the following savings and environmental benefits:
- Rooftop Space Required: 3.3m x 3.7m
- System Size: 1.74 kWp
- Annual Units Generated: 1,539 kWh
- CO₂ Emissions Saved: 531 kg
- Annual Bill Savings: €527.41
*Calculations taken from Purevolt calculators