Ireland solar panel price guide
Are you on the hunt for affordable solar panels in Ireland? With SpotDif, you can find the best deals quickly and effortlessly with our nifty price comparison tool.
Solar panel prices and costs in Ireland
Considering solar energy? Great choice. There are various types of solar panels suitable for every home. But what do they cost in Ireland? Thankfully, we can provide you with a quick solar panel price comparison in seconds.
Understanding solar panel prices is the first step in narrowing down your choices. It means you can find the right solution for your energy needs and budget. We also recommend comparing different features and styles to make sure you make the best purchase for your lifestyle and home. Plus, with SpotDif, you can be in talks with highly-trusted solar panel suppliers near you in minutes.
Ready to start? Here’s everything you need to know about solar panel prices in Ireland.
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Average solar panel costs in Ireland
At SpotDif, we know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to solar panels. So, instead of giving you a vague price range like most price comparison websites, let’s break down the average costs for different solar panel systems in Ireland as of 2024.
Smaller solar panel setups
Size: 1-3kW
Best for: Small one-to-two-bedroom homes or flats with minimal energy needs.
Average 2024 cost: €2,800 per kW
These systems usually have 4-12 panels, perfect if your home has limited roof space or you use less electricity than the average Irish household. Small solar panel setups are great if you’re looking to reduce your energy bills or if you’re just starting with solar energy.
Medium solar panel setups
Size: 4-6kW
Best for: Medium-sized three-to-four-bedroom homes with moderate energy demands and multiple appliances or electronics.
Average 2024 cost: €2,975 per kW
These setups generally include 12-20 solar panels and are great for households with higher energy consumption, especially if you use multiple appliances and electronics all at the same time. This size of solar panel system means you’ll start seeing great cost savings and significant energy savings at the same time.
Large solar panel setups
Size: 7-10 kW or more
Best for: Large five or more bedroom homes or small businesses with high energy needs.
Average 2024 cost: €3,325 per kW
These setups can go up to a whopping 20-30+ solar panels, depending on your property’s needs. They are designed for properties, businesses, or workplaces that use a lot of energy and have a decent amount of roof space. With a large solar panel setup, energy bill reduction and cost savings are a reality rather than a dream!
We’ll match you with your ideal solar panel supplier
At SpotDif, we match you with the best solar panel suppliers in Ireland, making your journey to Solar as simple as it is rewarding.
We work with certified installers only, with over 12 years experience of installing solar panels across the UK.
Join thousands of customers who have already benefited from solar and lower energy bills. We invite you to take our quick and simple eligibility check to find the best deal and supplier for you.
Why is it good to consider solar panel costs before purchasing?
Trying to wrap your head around solar panel options can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time exploring what’s available in your area. Don’t worry, though — that’s where we at SpotDif come in to lend a helping hand.
We offer a free service to help you compare solar panel prices easily. By comparing the different types of solar panel suppliers and systems, you can find the best option for your budget and energy needs. There are many advantages to comparing solar panel costs in Ireland, such as…
1. You can save your money
By comparing different solar panel quotes, you can find the most cost-effective option for your solar panel installation. Prices can differ between suppliers depending on their expertise, popularity, and equipment, and obtaining multiple quotes ensures you get the best deal.
For instance, a thorough solar panel comparison might reveal a significant discount or a special promotion, saving you hundreds or even thousands of euros.
2. You get more value for your money
Different solar panel quotes can help you understand the value you’re getting. With SpotDif, you can compare the quality of your solar panels as well as the price of them. With that being said, you can also compare solar panel warranties and optional services as an extra.
For instance, one quote might include a longer warranty or additional services like maintenance and monitoring, making it a better long-term investment even if the initial cost is slightly higher. It would be a shame to miss out on that, wouldn’t it?
3. You can weed out any hidden costs
Some quotes may include subtle hidden fees for installation, permits, or additional equipment that other solar panel suppliers have already factored into their upfront price.
When you obtain multiple solar panel quotes in Ireland, this will help you identify any hidden costs or additional charges that you might not be aware of. After all, no one wants to deal with the shock of hidden costs!
4. You’ll have more flexibility and customisation options
Different solar panel suppliers in Ireland will offer varying levels of customisation and flexibility. Comparing solar panel quotes will let you find a solution that fits exactly what you’re looking for. For instance, some suppliers might offer flexible financing options or tailor the system to better suit your energy consumption and roof space.
5. You can assess your supplier reputation and reliability
At SpotDif, we’re all about transparency and trust — and the same goes for the solar panel companies that we work with. With this in mind, throughout our quoting process, you’ll be able to read reviews and testimonials from previous customers, helping you choose a reputable supplier. As we said, we only work with trusted solar panel suppliers with excellent track records — and we mean it!
Which factors can affect solar panel costs in Ireland?
Solar panel system costs vary hugely due to the variety of models on offer in the Irish solar panel market. Before you start comparing, we always think it’s a good idea to be aware of the different factors that could affect your solar panel’s cost.
1. System size
Highest cost: Larger systems (e.g., 8-10 kW) can cost between €25,600 and €33,250.
Lowest cost: Smaller systems (e.g., 1-3 kW) typically range from €2,800 to €8,400.
As you can see, larger solar panel systems generate more electricity but require more panels and equipment, leading to higher costs. The cost per kilowatt (kW) often decreases slightly as the system size increases, but it’s important to keep in mind that the total expense will be higher for larger installations.
2. Type of solar panels
Highest cost: Monocrystalline solar panels can cost between €1,450 and €1,850 per kW Lowest cost: Polycrystalline panels range from €1,200 to €1,475 per kW, while thin-film panels can be as low as €970 to €1,200 per kW.
Potential savings: Opting for polycrystalline or thin-film panels over monocrystalline could save you up to €300-€650 per kW.
Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient and have a longer lifespan, but they come at a higher price compared to polycrystalline panels. In our experience, thin-film panels are usually the least expensive but also less efficient, requiring more space to generate the same amount of electricity.
3. Solar panel installation complexity
Highest cost: Complex installations requiring structural modifications or specialised mounting can add €1,400 to €6,100 to the total cost.
Lowest cost: Standard installations on simple, accessible roofs typically add minimal extra cost, around €650 to €1,250
Potential savings: Simple installations can save up to €4,850 compared to complex setups.
It’s good to know that there are many factors such as roof type, angle, and orientation — which can make solar panel installation more challenging and time-consuming. It’s important to note that additional costs may arise if your roof requires structural modifications or if you need specialised mounting systems installed.
4. Solar panel labour and permits
Highest cost: Labour and permitting fees in urban areas can add €2,500 to €4,800
Lowest cost: In rural areas, these costs might be between €1,250 and €2,500.
Potential savings: Choosing a rural installation location for your solar panel installation can save up to €2,300 on labour and permitting.
Urban areas like the big Irish cities with higher labour costs will generally see higher solar panel installation prices. You may also need to obtain necessary permits and comply with local regulations. We recommend budgeting for this as it can add to the overall cost.
5. Inverters and additional equipment for solar panels
Highest cost: High-quality inverters (e.g., microinverters or power optimisers) can cost €1,000 to €1,500 extra per kW. Adding a battery storage system can add €4,800 to €8,600.
Lowest cost: Basic string inverters typically add £500 to €650 to €1,000 per kW.
Potential savings: Opting for basic inverters and foregoing battery storage can save up to €8,750.
String inverters usually come at a lower cost but may not offer the same efficiency and flexibility as microinverters or power optimisers. Microinverters are installed on each panel, offering higher efficiency, especially in more shaded areas. Similarly, power optimisers work with string inverters to enhance performance.
You should also note that additional equipment like solar panel batteries for energy storage, which store excess energy for later use, monitoring systems that track the performance of your solar panels, and advanced mounting structures required for complex roof installations can further up your costs.
6. Irish government incentives and grants for solar panels
The Irish government offers several solar panel incentives and grants that can significantly reduce the cost of your solar panel installation. These incentives can cover up to 30% of the installation costs, potentially saving you up to €7,800 on a €26,000 system.
SEAI Solar PV Grant
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides a Solar PV grant for homeowners. This grant can cover up to €2,400 for installing solar panels, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable.
Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA)
For businesses, the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme allows you to deduct the cost of your solar panel system from your profits, reducing your taxable income and providing significant savings on your investment.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, you can earn money by exporting excess energy generated by your solar panels back to the grid. This can save you around €350 to €600 annually, further offsetting your installation costs.
Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT)
The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) provides guaranteed payments for the energy you generate and feed into the grid. This long-term incentive can give you a hand in recovering your investment faster and helps to contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
At SpotDif, we’ll help you navigate these options to find the best savings and solutions for your solar energy needs. Get started today and see how much you can save!
7. Market demand and solar panel material costs
High demand and rising material costs can increase solar panel prices by 10-20%, adding €2,500 to €6,600 to large installations. On the other hand, technological advancements and reduced material costs can lower prices by 10-15%, saving you €1,200 to €5,000 on large systems.
We’d recommend keeping an eye on fluctuations in Irish solar panel market demand and the cost of raw materials needed to create, develop and install solar panels. The value of silicon, aluminium, and copper can cause solar panel prices to increase or decrease for this reason.
We’d also suggest timing your solar panel search during periods of lower demand or after technological improvements, as this could lead to significant savings. Don’t forget — you can learn about the latest solar panel news in our Resources Hub.
Find the best solar panel system in Ireland at the best price with SpotDif
Choosing and investing in a solar panel system for your home can seem challenging at first, but we hope you can now see how beneficial it will be to your home, your energy needs, and the environment.
At SpotDif, we aim to make finding your solar panel installation in Ireland accessible and affordable. That's why we make it easier than ever to compare trusted solar panel suppliers and installers in Ireland. Just supply a few details, and we'll do the hard work for you by comparing deals on the latest solar panel prices in your area. Get started with SpotDif today.
Last updated on 11 Nov 2024 Last updated on 11 Nov 2024