June 17, 2025

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Ireland?

If you’ve found yourself wondering whether solar panels are really worth the investment, you’re not alone. Across Ireland, more homeowners than ever are choosing to go solar – and for good reason.

With electricity prices continuing to rise, government incentives available, and growing awareness of the environmental impact, solar power is no longer just an eco-friendly upgrade. It’s quickly becoming one of the smartest long-term decisions Irish homeowners can make.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what solar panels can really offer, from financial savings to energy independence, so you can decide whether they’re the right fit for your home.

How Much Can Solar Panels Actually Save You?

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, “Will solar panels really lower my electricity bill?”

The answer is yes, and often dramatically. Irish homeowners that have installed solar PV systems have reported annual electricity bill reductions of up to 85%.

Your solar system allows you to generate your own electricity from daylight, reducing the amount you need to buy from your energy supplier.

The savings begin the moment your panels are installed. During the day, solar energy powers your appliances directly. And, if you install a battery, you can store excess energy for use in the evenings. Over time, this self-sufficiency adds up to significant savings.

We will discuss battery storage in a future article.

It’s worth noting that as energy prices continue to increase, the value of every unit of solar energy you generate becomes even more significant. Your panels don’t just pay for themselves, they help protect you from future price hikes, too.

What Happens to the Extra Energy You Don’t Use?

Many homeowners don’t realise that solar panels can do more than just save money, they can also generate income.

Thanks to Ireland’s Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), any electricity your system produces that you don’t use can be exported back to the national grid. In return, you’ll receive Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments from your electricity provider.

This means your solar panels can continue working for you even when you’re not home, generating clean electricity and sending any surplus to the grid in exchange for payment. Over the course of a year, this additional income can make a real difference in your return on investment, reducing your payback period.

Your Microgeneration Rate will differ depending on your electricity provider, some solar companies have exclusive partnerships with major energy companies to get a better Microgeneration Rate for their customers.

Tip: If you want to benefit from Microgeneration Support Scheme, make sure to ask your solar installer what the current Microgeneration Rate is for your energy provider, and if they provide better rates through an energy partner.

For many Irish households, the combination of savings on electricity and export income allows them to recover a significant portion of their installation costs within a few years.

Energy Independence: Take Control of Your Power Supply

Beyond the numbers, solar power gives homeowners something that’s hard to put a price on: energy independence.

Instead of relying entirely on utility companies, solar panels allow you to take control of your own energy supply. This independence means you’re better protected against future price volatility, supply shortages, or disruptions to the national grid.

In recent years, more people have begun to value this kind of resilience. It offers peace of mind, especially during times of uncertainty, knowing your home can generate its own electricity, day after day, rain or shine.

Adding a solar battery takes this independence even further. With battery storage, your home can store the power generated during the day and use it at night or during periods of low daylight, allowing you to rely less on the grid and more on your own system.

Also, with advancements in technology power cuts can become a thing of the past. Now, leading solar installers are providing solutions that ensure in the event of a power cut, you can run priority appliances such as the internet, lighting and cooking appliances entirely off your solar system.

Solar Panels and Home Value: A Long-Term Investment

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that solar panels can also improve the value of their property.

Today’s buyers are more energy-conscious than ever before (source: Savills). They’re looking for homes that are efficient, affordable to run, and aligned with modern sustainability goals. A professionally installed solar PV system checks all those boxes.

It has been shown that homes with solar panels installed can increase their value by up to 4%, in comparison to similar homes without them (source: Energy Efficiency).

Homes with solar panels often benefit from a better Building Energy Rating (BER), which is now a key consideration for many buyers and mortgage providers. A higher BER not only signals a more energy-efficient home, it can also result in quicker sales and higher asking prices.

A healthy BER rating can also lower your home insurance premium.

Installing solar isn’t just about saving money on your bills; it’s about adding long-term value to your home in an increasingly competitive market.

More buyers are seeking energy-efficient homes with sustainable features, and solar PV tops the list.

The Environmental Impact: Doing Your Part

Of course, savings are only part of the story. For many Irish homeowners, choosing solar is also about making a positive contribution to the environment.

Solar energy is clean, renewable, and carbon-free. By generating your own electricity from daylight, you reduce your household’s reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy. Lowering your personal carbon footprint, while also supporting Ireland’s national targets for emissions reductions and energy independence.

Solar panels can also be integrated with other green technologies in the home, including electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and smart energy systems; helping you create a future-ready, sustainable household.

So, Are Solar Panels Worth It in Ireland?

Looking at the full picture: the savings, the income potential, the energy security, the property value, and the environmental impact – it’s clear that solar panels are absolutely worth it for Irish homeowners.

With strong government supports, rising energy costs, and a national shift toward sustainability, there’s never been a better time to invest in solar.

Whether you’re upgrading your current home, building new, or simply exploring ways to cut long-term expenses, a well-designed solar PV system can provide real benefits for years to come.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

At PV Generation, we specialise in helping Irish homeowners take the next step toward a solar-powered future.

We offer:

• Expert guidance on system design and placement

• Full support with SEAI grant applications

• High-quality installations tailored to your home

• Battery and EV charger integration for future expansion

Want to see what solar could do for your home? Get in touch today for a free consultation or custom quote.