Question 1

How much is the SEAI solar grant for homes?

Accepted Answer

Most homes get up to €1,800 for solar PV plus €600 for a battery, so up to €2,400. Homes on certain social welfare payments can get up to €9,000. We check which applies to you and do the paperwork.

Question 2

Are there grants for businesses and farms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The SEAI Non-Domestic Microgeneration grant goes up to €325,200 per site, and farms can apply for TAMS 3, a 60% grant on up to €90,000 of solar investment.

Question 3

How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

Accepted Answer

Look for the unit rate on your bill, shown in cent per kWh, plus the standing charge. Your supplier’s app shows the same. Many homes pay over 30c per kWh, which is the figure solar saves you.

Question 4

What are the financial benefits of solar?

Accepted Answer

Lower bills from using your own power, payment for the electricity you export to the grid, the SEAI grant off the upfront cost, and protection from future price rises.

Question 5

Should I buy, finance or lease a system?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners buy outright or use a green loan from a bank or credit union, and the SEAI grant comes off the price. Businesses can also choose finance or a Power Purchase Agreement with no upfront cost.

Question 6

How do solar panels work?

Accepted Answer

Panels turn daylight into electricity. An inverter converts it into the power your home uses. Your home uses it first, a battery stores the surplus, and anything left goes to the grid.

Question 7

Does solar work in Irish weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Panels generate from daylight, not just direct sun, so they produce on cloudy days too. Output is highest from spring to autumn, and a battery lets you use it in the evening.

Question 8

What are the different types of inverter?

Accepted Answer

String inverters serve the whole array, hybrid inverters also manage a battery, and microinverters or optimisers sit under each panel to help with shading. We recommend the right one for your roof.

Question 9

How long will a solar system last?

Accepted Answer

Quality panels usually carry 25-year or longer performance warranties. Inverters typically last 10 to 15 years, so plan for one replacement over the life of the system.

Question 10

How much does maintenance cost?

Accepted Answer

Very little. Panels have no moving parts and rain keeps them mostly clean. An occasional check of the panels, fixings and inverter is all most systems need.

Question 11

Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

Accepted Answer

Only if it will need work during the panels’ lifetime. We check the roof at the survey. Asbestos roofs need a different approach.

Question 12

What happens during installation?

Accepted Answer

Free survey, then a quote with the grant applied. Once the grant is approved we install, usually in a day or two, notify ESB Networks, complete the SEAI paperwork and set up your app.

Question 13

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Rooftop panels on most homes, businesses and farm buildings are exempt from planning since 2022, subject to conditions. Extra rules apply near airports and on protected structures. We check this for you.

Question 14

Is a domestic wind turbine worth it in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

On an open, exposed rural site it can be, because turbines produce most in winter and at night when solar is weakest. On sheltered sites they rarely pay back, so we survey first.

Question 15

Do I need planning permission for a wind turbine?

Accepted Answer

Not if it meets the exemption rules for houses: max 13m total height, 6m rotor, 3m ground clearance, set back its height plus 1m from boundaries, and within the noise limit.

Question 16

Can I put solar on a carport instead of my roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A solar carport covers one or more cars and generates power, which is ideal when your roof faces the wrong way or is shaded.

Frequently asked questions