June 12, 2025

“How much does a solar system cost?” – it’s a question we get asked every day.

While we’d love to give a quick, simple answer, the reality is that solar is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The cost of installing solar panels in Ireland can vary significantly depending on several key factors, including your home’s energy needs, roof type, and the features you choose to include in your system.

In this article, we’ll explore the main factors that influence the price of a solar system: what’s essential, what’s optional, and why quotes vary from home to home.

1. The Number of Solar Panels Required

The most significant factor in determining the cost of your solar system is how many solar panels are needed to meet your energy requirements. This depends on your household electricity usage and the amount of available roof or garden space.

Another factor that is considered when pricing and designing a solar system is the orientation and angle of the system, as this may affect the output.

You need to consider the efficiency and wattage of the solar panels being installed, and what you hope to achieve with your solar system – whether you’re looking to offset a portion of your electricity usage or hoping to fully power your home.

Currently, solar panels in Ireland are subject to 0% VAT (source: Revenue) when supplied and installed by a registered solar installer, making them more affordable than ever before. This means Irish homeowners can install a larger, more efficient system for a lower price compared to five or ten years ago.

2. The Inverter: The Brain of Your Solar System

Every solar system needs an Inverter, it acts as the brain of the system. The Inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity absorbed by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power your home appliances.

There are several inverters supplied by solar installers on the market. The selection of the Inverter is the most important component of your solar system, determining its efficiency and longevity.

We will discuss a comparison of Inverters on the Irish market in another blog post. However, it is important to keep in mind when considering the cost of your solar system.

The right inverter choice can influence both upfront cost, long-term system performance, and ultimately, savings.

3. Optimisers

Solar panel optimisers are a smart upgrade that helps to ensure each panel operates at its maximum potential, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Optimisers are especially beneficial if:

– Your roof has partial shading from trees, chimneys or other buildings

– Panels face multiple directions (e.g. some facing east and others west)

– You want to track individual panel performance for better diagnostics

By reducing the effects of shading, debris, or panel mismatch, optimisers can boost your system’s performance by up to 30% (Source: Huawei), leading to greater savings over time.

They also offer panel-level monitoring, giving you insights into how each panel is performing in real time. The quantity of optimisers required will influence the cost of your solar system, and long-term savings.

4. Battery Storage

Battery storage is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Irish households. Batteries allow you to store surplus energy generated during the day and use it in the evening or during periods of low solar production, further reducing your reliance on the grid.

While opting for battery storage adds to the initial cost of your solar system, it also provides several key benefits:

– Energy independence: Use more of your self-generated energy and reduce grid reliance.

– Cost savings: Shift your energy usage away from peak electricity rates.

– Flexibility: Ability to add-on extra battery storage to increase capacity.

Battery systems can be sized to suit your energy usage and budget. Incorporating battery storage into your solar system can help reduce your payback period by storing and maximising your self-generated electricity.

5. Optional Add-On: Hot Water Diverter

One of the most common questions we get asked is “can solar heat my water?” and the honest answer is no. Solar is used to generate electricity only.

If you’re looking to heat your water, you will need to add a hot water diverter. Which will increase the upfront cost of your solar system.

We will discuss the pros and cons of a hot water diverter in another article.

However, adding a hot water diverter will increase the efficiency of your system by diverting excess electricity to your immersion heater instead of exporting it to the grid.

6. Optional Add-On: EV Charger

If you currently own an electric vehicle or are considering making the switch to electric in the future, adding a solar-compatible EV charger is a practical and forward-thinking decision.

Smart EV chargers can prioritise solar charging over grid electricity, charge during off-peak hours if needed, and be programmed for optimal efficiency and cost savings.

By using solar energy to charge your EV, you can effectively fuel your car for free, further reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and lowering your transportation costs.

Customer Support

Customer support is one of the most overlooked cost factors when considering the price of your solar system. It is crucial to ensure that the company you’re choosing is reputable and has a team to support you, should any issues arise.

Solar is an investment that must be treated like any other big decision in your life, it is important to do your research and invest in solar with a reputable solar PV installer.

We’ve received messages from people looking for support that had Solar installed by companies that have closed, systems that have been installed incorrectly, grant applications not processed as promised or people just being ignored by their installer once their system has been commissioned. We don’t want you to end up in this situation. Please do your research to ensure that your solar installer is reputable and accredited.

Site Conditions and Needs

Your installation will hopefully be straightforward, as most are, but in some cases health and safety can be more complex depending on the specific conditions of your site. Factors such as roof type, pitch, orientation, height, and ease of access can influence the installation.

Every install needs a survey, and should comply with Safe Electric standards. The survey allows for a qualified technician to highlight any potential challenges and meets safety requirements.

Safety standards exist not only to protect your home and your investment, but also to guarantee the long-term safety and performance of your system. While these regulations and accreditations may seem like an added cost, they separate a good service from an illegal one.

Cutting corners can lead to problems down the line. Choosing an installer who prioritises compliance and quality may cost more upfront, but it ensures peace of mind, and a system built to last.

Why a General Price Isn’t Always Helpful

Every home and every customer is different. A one size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to solar.

A lot of solar companies require an in-person appointment before providing a quote, this is to ensure that the company fully understands your electricity needs.

Pricing a solar system without understanding the specific needs of a property can be misleading. Giving a general price could give the wrong impression, especially if important elements or features aren’t included. The goal is to find the right solution for each customer’s needs.

Although we prefer not to give a general price, the average cost of a home solar system to the customer is €8,700 when availing of the €1,800 SEAI Home Solar Grant.

To find out the cost of a solar system for your home, click here.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Quote is the First Step

There is no one, universal price for solar, because there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Your solar quote is shaped by your home’s layout, your energy needs, the components included, and your long-term goals.

Understanding what goes into your solar quote gives you the power to make an informed decision. If you’re ready to take the next step, or simply understand what solar might look like for your home, the best starting point is an in-person solar consultation.

Ready to See What Solar Could Look Like for Your Home?

If you’re considering solar and want a clear, accurate quote tailored to your home and energy needs, the best place to start is with a free consultation with our Solar Experts. There’s no pressure, it’s just straightforward advice based on your home.

Complete the form below to request your free, personalised solar quote and consultation.