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Solar Installers: Subcontractors vs In-House Teams
October 14, 2025
As more homeowners across Ireland install solar on their rooftops, the number of installers has grown considerably, but they’re not all reputable and qualified.
As solar is a significant investment in your home and future, it’s crucial to choose an installer who has the appropriate qualifications, safety accreditations, registrations, is reputable and will still be there for you post-installation.
We’ve heard countless horror stories of Irish homeowners who’ve been left without support by cowboy installers who promise a dream and leave you with a nightmare. Solar is one of the safest technologies you can install at your home, when it’s done right.
If you’re comparing solar quotes in Ireland, you’ll see companies talk about in-house installation teams and subcontracted teams. What does that actually mean for your home, and which is the better choice?
In this article, we’ll explain the difference between in-house and subcontracted solar teams, outline how the installation process works in Ireland, explore the pros and cons of both models, share the key questions you should ask before signing a contract, and highlight why the right choice can make all the difference for the safety, compliance and long-term reliability of your solar investment.
Choosing the right installer is about more than picking a company, it’s about protecting your home and your investment.
While we would love for you to choose us to install your system, the most important thing to us is that you are left with a safe and efficient solar system, no matter who you choose to install it.
1. What Do “In-House” and “Subcontracted” Actually Mean?
When you’re choosing a solar installer in Ireland, you’ll hear companies describe their teams as either “in-house” or “subcontracted”. At first glance, this might feel like an industry detail that doesn’t affect you, but in practice, it can have a big impact on how smooth your installation is, and how problems are handled in the years ahead.
In-House Team
The surveyors, designers, roofers, electricians and aftercare staff are direct employees of the company you signed your contract with. They all wear the same uniform, drive the same branded vans, follow the same training and safety procedures, and report to the same management.
In-house teams are typically easier to monitor, train and quality-control is better because the solar installer is fully responsible for their work.
Subcontracted Team
In this model, the company that sells you the solar system doesn’t employ all the installers directly. Instead, they hire outside contractors, often electricians, roofers or specialist solar crews to carry out some or all of the work.
You might meet a salesperson or project coordinator from the parent company, but the crew arriving on installation day could be a separate business.
Why The Difference Matters
At the end of the day, both models can put panels on your roof and connect them safely to your home. The real difference lies in:
- Who manages quality day-to-day: is it the same company from start to finish, or split between a parent company and outside crews?
- Who you deal with if something goes wrong: do you go straight back to the team that fitted your system, or do you wait while the company chases down a subcontractor?
- For homeowners in Ireland investing in solar for the next 30 years, those details can make a big difference in terms of peace of mind, paperwork, and long-term reliability.
2. How Does The Process Work in Ireland?
Whichever model you choose, a proper home solar install in Ireland typically includes:
- Survey & design for your roof, electrics and usage.
- SEAI grant application (if you’re eligible).
- ESB Networks notification (NC6) and inverter compliance before install.
- Safe Electric–registered electrical work, testing, and commissioning.
- Post-works BER to draw down the grant.
- Handover, documentation and monitoring app access.
Read this article to learn more about what happens when you book your solar installation.
Most Irish homes are planning-exempt for rooftop PV, however there are exceptions for protected structures or safeguarding zones. Your installer should confirm whether this is needed for your home.
3. Pros of in-house teams
Consistency of workmanship
One team, one standard. Because they all work for the same company, training, methods and safety practices tend to be aligned. Every roof bracket, cable run and inverter setting follows the same checklist.
Clear accountability
If there’s a snag, you don’t get bounced between “the sales company” and “the installer”. The responsibility sits firmly with one business.
Quicker communication
You’ll often speak to the same project manager or coordinator throughout. This reduces crossed wires and keeps things simple.
Company culture and pride
In-house solar install teams usually have more buy-in to the company’s reputation. They’re invested in leaving the job tidy because it reflects directly on their employer.
Familiarity with local conditions
Teams are trained specifically for Irish roofs, weather, and grant processes. They know how to handle Irish slate, windy coastal sites, or ESB Networks paperwork without delay.
Streamlined aftercare
When your solar installation company controls every stage, they already have your system details on file. Warranty or support calls are resolved faster.
Safety oversight
Because it’s one team, the company can enforce Safe Electric compliance, working at height protocols, insurance, and PPE without relying on third parties.
4. Limitations of in-house teams
Longer lead times
Busy seasons with reputable installers mean longer wait times.
Higher cost
May be slightly more expensive due to their wage overhead.
Geographic limits
In-house teams often work within a certain radius. If you live outside their area, they may not be able to install your system.
5. Pros of subcontracted teams
Quick lead times
Companies can call in extra crews during peak demand, meaning shorter waits for you.
Access to niche skills
Some subcontractors specialise in specific roof types and conditions. They bring expertise as needed.
Potential cost savings
Lower fixed costs can sometimes translate into sharper quotes for homeowners.
6. Cons of subcontracted teams
Variable quality
Standards depend on how well the main company monitors its contractors. One subcontractor might be excellent, another less so.
Blurry responsibility
If something goes wrong, you may feel caught in the middle: the company says “talk to the installer”, the installer says “talk to the company”.
Aftercare challenges
Contractors may move on to other jobs. If you need a call-back, the people who fitted your system may not be the same ones sent back.
Weaker work ethic
Subcontractors aren’t always tied to the company’s values, so attention to detail or customer service may vary.
Communication delays
Messages can get passed through several layers (sales team, admin, subcontractor, electrician) before you get an answer.
Insurance and safety checks
The main company should check that subcontractors carry the right insurance and are Safe Electric registered, but not all do this thoroughly. Always ask.
7. What matters most in Ireland (regardless of their installer choice)?
- SEAI registration (needed if you want to claim the grant and to ensure programme standards).
- Safe Electric registered electricians doing the electrical works.
- ESB Networks NC6 lodged before install; inverter set to Irish grid settings (IS EN 50549-1).
- Planning rules checked for your address (most homes exempt).
- Transparent quote & design: brands, quantities, layout, warranties, exclusions, and who handles grant/ESB paperwork.
- Aftercare: who you call, response times, monitoring, and warranty support.
Read this article for a deeper checklist on choosing a solar installer.
8. Which is better: In-House or Subcontracted?
On paper, both models can deliver a safe, compliant solar system. Subcontractors bring fast installation times, while in-house teams offer consistency and accountability.
But when you look at what really matters to Irish homeowners: clear accountability, safety, grant compliance, tidy workmanship and great aftercare, in-house teams usually have the edge.
That’s not to say subcontractors can’t do excellent work. Many do. The difference is control: with an in-house team, the company sets the standards and ensures they’re followed. With subcontractors, you’re trusting that oversight is there.
9. What To Ask Before You Sign
Whichever route you go, asking the right questions makes all the difference:
- Who will be installing my system? Are they in-house staff or subcontractors? Can I see their Safe Electric REC number?
- Who handles the SEAI grant application and ESB Networks paperwork? Will it be done before installation?
- What is included in my quote? Panel make, inverter type, scaffolding, fuseboard works, BER, SEAI grant paperwork are all listed clearly?
- Who is responsible for aftercare? If I need support in year 1, year 5, or year 10, who do I call?
If the answers are straightforward and backed up with paperwork, that’s a strong sign you’re in safe hands. In-house teams tend to make these points much clearer because it all sits under one roof.
10. Common scenarios
“I need a quick install.” A subcontracted model may have more crews available. But ask yourself if speed is worth more than certainty over who’s doing the work, as well as the quality, safety and compliance of the install.
“My roof is unusual (slate, stone, or steep pitch).” Subcontractors may bring different skills, but in-house teams trained to one consistent standard usually deliver better long-term results.
“I want grant support and zero hassle.” In-house teams typically manage SEAI and ESB paperwork seamlessly because it’s part of their internal process.
“I want peace of mind for the next 20+ years.” Here the in-house model really stands out. The same company that sold you the system is accountable for maintaining it, there’s no passing the buck.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will subcontracting affect my SEAI grant?
A: No. What matters is that your installation team is SEAI-registered. That said, in-house teams usually do all the paperwork for grant applications, because it makes the process smoother.
Q: Who lodges the ESB Networks paperwork?
A: The installer should. With in-house teams it’s usually automatic, with subcontractors, double-check that the responsibility is clearly defined.
Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: Most homes are exempt, but your installer should confirm. In-house teams often do this as part of the survey stage.
Q: Who handles warranties and aftercare?
A: Your solar installation company is always responsible. It’s simpler when one company complete all paperwork, as they have access to your solar warranties. With subcontractors, there can be delays if details get lost between parties.
12. Final Thoughts
Subcontractors may have shorter install times and can be a good option in certain situations, but for most Irish homeowners an in-house installation team provides the clearest path to a safe, compliant, and stress-free solar system.
An in-house team means one standard and a clear point of contact from start to finish. With SEAI and ESB compliance built into their process, there’s no confusion about who is responsible for each step. If anything needs attention in the future, the same company that installed your system is accountable for putting it right.
When you’re investing in a solar system designed to last 30+ years, that continuity offers peace of mind that’s hard to match. Subcontracted teams can deliver a solar system, but in-house teams make it easier to ensure consistent quality, clear communication, and long-term support. For most homeowners, that makes them a more reliable choice for such an important investment.
Thinking About Going Solar?
If you’re still weighing up your options, our solar consultants can walk you through our process, answer your questions, and help you understand what would suit your home best. Complete the form below to book a free consultation and get a tailored quote.