How solar panels save you money
Maybe you’ve considered solar panels before – but thought installation would be too expensive.
Well, good news: thanks to SEAI grants and other support schemes – like a 0% VAT rate on domestic solar panels, the chance to receive government grants towards the cost of installation, plus the potential to cut your electricity bills in half with power generated from the sun – now’s the perfect time to switch to solar.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Ireland?
Solar panel prices depend on how much roof space you have, the direction it faces, your energy consumption and a few other factors. For instance, at Caldor Solar, our PV systems for homes typically cost between €4,000 to €12,000 – including an SEAI grant, which we can help you to apply for.
That’s a wide range, right? Well, your property – and your energy needs – may be very different from your neighbour’s. So the PV system that’s most suitable for you may be at the top end or the lower end of the scale.
Roof Size
If you want a smaller system size to fit a small roof space, without extras like a storage battery, installation will be less.
Energy Usage
For a larger system to cover your energy needs, including hot water on demand, electricity and a solar battery, expect to pay more.
Forward Planning
The more panels you install, the greater your upfront investment will be… but the greater your return on investment will be, too.
Solar panel options
Grant Relief on Solar Panel Costs
With Ireland’s bid to reach Net Zero by 2050, the government is offering financial incentives and support schemes for domestic, commercial and agricultural solar panel installations. Here’s what’s available toward the cost of installation in Ireland right now:
up to
€2,100
up to
€162,600
up to
€90,000
Save More From Solar
What might seem like a steep upfront cost can save you plenty, long into the future. And with a return on investment in as little as 5 years… well, that’s money well spent!
Get Free Electricity
Cut your energy bills by 50%*, or more
Energy Independence
Harness your power when it most suits you
Get Paid More
When you export unused electricity to the grid
Increase
Your Value
Boost your property’s value, if you ever sell
* Savings may vary based on factors like: location, energy usage and system size
How Much Can You Save, Exactly?
Is choosing a renewable energy source like solar really worth it – and how much can you expect to save when you switch?
The first consideration is the direct savings on your monthly electric bill. It may not seem all that dramatic at first – but after 5 years, you could be saving well over €1,000 from your electricity bills.
Considering a Solar PV system’s long lifespan of 25 – 30 years, that’s some pretty decent savings.
As we mentioned above, the average costs for solar panel installation in Ireland covers a wide range. This is because installation costs – and your potential savings – will be directly impacted by the system size you choose, and how many panels you install.
A good installation company can advise you on this during your assessment, but you should pay attention to figures such as the system’s kWP (Kilowatt Peak), which refers to its peak power, or the rate at which it can generate energy under top conditions like a sunny day.
* Estimated costs for the supply and installation of a Solar PV system after deducting the SEAI grant. Prices may vary due to factors such as the property’s location, available roof space and orientation.
More reasons to choose solar
Top Solar Grants & Incentives
You’ve seen the potential savings. But can you afford installation? Well, it’s more affordable than ever to switch to solar. Here’s why…
New Government Goals
Over 100,000 Irish homes and businesses have solar panels now. By 2030, the goal is over 250,000 installations: with renewable energy sources generating 80% of Ireland’s electricity demands.
Zero VAT for Homeowners
In April 2023, the government announced a 0% VAT rate (down from 13.5%) on the supply and installation of residential solar panels – so that companies could reduce their rates for customers.
Access SEAI Grants
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants for homeowners and businesses to lower installation costs. Communities, schools and farmers can benefit from other incentives, too.
Find a Trusted Installer
If you work with Caldor Solar,we can help you with your grant application. We’re SEAI accredited and since 2015, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses cut the costs of installation.
Why Choose Caldor Solar?
Caldor Solar, now part of Waterland Ireland’s NetZero Group, is one of the top solar energy companies in Ireland: SEAI registered, fully accredited, with over 5,000 PV system installations across the country.
Our customers agree, installation from Caldor Solar is a quick and easy process, one that delivers amazing results. Right now, they’re enjoying lower energy bills, a more comfortable home or business and the warm ‘n’ fuzzy feeling of knowing they’re reducing carbon emissions while they’re at it.
We’ve been helping communities with solar panel installations since 2015: standing the test of time in an industry of over 500+ players.
Our best-in-industry solar panels are built to last – and we offer a 25-year performance warranty across many products.
Our expert team offers ongoing maintenance and technical support for your PV system – not that you’ll need much, as we’ll advise you on the best fit in the first place.
Our mission is to help homes, businesses and communities support Ireland’s transition towards Net Zero.
Call 01 25 333 49 – and let’s get you set up with solar.
Our mission is to help homes, businesses and communities support Ireland’s transition towards Net Zero.
FAQs
Your Journey to Sustainable Energy Starts Here
At Caldor Solar, we’re not just selling solar panels; we’re championing a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for you and Ireland.
Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels use the sun’s power to convert daylight into renewable energy – without producing carbon emissions. Next, an inverter converts this energy (DC power) into usable AC electricity, which can then be used to power key appliances or heat water. You could also store the electricity to use at times when you need it most, with a storage battery. Unlike solar thermal, which is only used for heating water, Solar PV can bring you free electricity and hot water.
Solar panels perform best for 20–30 years after installation – at which point, their effectiveness will slowly start to deteriorate. That’s a pretty long lifespan though, especially considering that your PV system can start to pay for itself in just 5 years. And you can help to extend this lifespan by choosing a reputable installer, who offers ongoing maintenance.
We recommend monocrystalline panels for the greatest yield (18–23%), and as one of the most efficient options for installations in Ireland. Our matt black mono panels, which are designed to blend into your roof seamlessly, are composed of the highest quality materials from Sunpower, Jinko, Longi, Q-Cell, JA Solar, Canadian Solar and many other Tier 1 brands.
A semi-detatched, 3-bedroom home in Ireland may need 10–12 panels to cover their energy needs. But this figure depends largely on the household’s energy consumption, its available roof space, plus the property’s design and location. We cover the various factors to consider when shopping for residential solar panels in this post.
Depending on a range of factors including the amount of panels and the type of system you’ve chosen, expect installation to cost anywhere between €3,000 – €15,000. Bear in mind, cheaper doesn’t always mean best, so make sure you choose an accredited installation company that has a lot of experience.
To be eligible for a grant from the SEAI, you’ll need to work with an SEAI-registered installation company (like Caldor Solar). Homeowners are eligible to apply for a grant up to €2,100, while businesses can seek up to €162,600 towards installation costs. See the residential grants page, the business grants page or the community grants page for details. There are a range of other incentives available for individuals and companies who want to switch to renewable energy, too – check out our recent post to learn more.