Bord Gáis Solar Panels Review 2026: Prices, Pros & Cons vs Independent Installers
Is Bord Gáis solar worth the premium? We compare Bord Gáis solar panel prices, packages, and installation against independent SEAI-registered installers in Ireland.
Bord Gáis Energy entered the residential solar market in 2022, offering solar panel packages to Irish homeowners through their own installation service. As one of Ireland's largest energy suppliers, they bring brand recognition and existing customer relationships — but does that translate into the best deal for your solar installation?
We've compared Bord Gáis solar packages against independent SEAI-registered installers on price, equipment, warranties, and after-sales support to help you decide.
Bord Gáis Solar Panel Packages
Bord Gáis offers a range of solar PV packages for residential customers. Their standard offerings typically include:
- Solar panels — typically Tier 1 panels (brands vary by availability)
- Inverter — usually a hybrid inverter capable of supporting battery storage
- Installation — by Bord Gáis-approved contractors
- SEAI grant handling — they apply for the grant on your behalf
- Smart meter export — integration with the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) for selling surplus electricity back to the grid
Packages are typically sized from 6 panels up to 16+ panels depending on your roof space and electricity usage. Battery storage (e.g. Huawei LUNA2000) is offered as an add-on.
Bord Gáis Solar Panel Prices
Bord Gáis don't publicly list their solar prices — you need to request a quote. Based on customer reports and industry feedback, their pricing typically falls in these ranges (before SEAI grant):
| System size | Panels | Bord Gáis (est.) | Independent installers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 kWp | 6 panels | €5,000–€6,000 | €4,000–€5,000 |
| 3.2 kWp | 8 panels | €6,500–€7,500 | €5,000–€6,500 |
| 4.0 kWp | 10 panels | €7,500–€9,000 | €6,000–€7,500 |
| 5.2 kWp | 13 panels | €9,000–€11,000 | €7,500–€9,000 |
| Battery add-on | 5 kWh | €3,000–€4,000 | €2,500–€3,500 |
These are estimates based on publicly available reports and may vary. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 applies regardless of whether you go with Bord Gáis or an independent installer. After the grant, most systems cost between €4,000 and €9,000.
For a detailed breakdown of what solar costs in Ireland, see our solar panel cost guide.
Are Bord Gáis Solar Panels More Expensive?
In general, yes — by around 15–25% compared to independent SEAI-registered installers. This isn't unusual for large energy companies offering solar. You're paying for:
- Brand overhead — marketing, customer service infrastructure, corporate costs
- Subcontracted installation — Bord Gáis doesn't employ installers directly; they use approved contractors, adding a margin
- Convenience — a single point of contact for energy supply, solar, and potentially battery/EV charging
Whether the premium is worth it depends on how much you value the convenience of dealing with a large, established company versus potentially saving €1,000–€2,000 with a local installer.
Bord Gáis vs Independent Solar Installers
| Bord Gáis | Independent installers | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 15–25% higher | More competitive |
| Equipment | Tier 1 panels, hybrid inverter | Varies — ask about brands |
| Installation | Subcontracted crews | Often installed by the company itself |
| SEAI grant | Handled for you | Also handled for you (standard practice) |
| Warranty | Workmanship + manufacturer | Workmanship + manufacturer |
| After-sales | Large company, dedicated support line | Direct contact with installer |
| Export tariff | Bord Gáis CEG rate | Choose any supplier's export rate |
| Flexibility | Standardised packages | Custom system design |
| Wait times | Can be 6–12 weeks | Often 2–6 weeks |
Bord Gáis Solar Panels: Pros
- Established brand. Bord Gáis isn't going anywhere. If you need warranty support in 10 years, they'll still be around. Some smaller installers may not be.
- One bill, one company. If you're already a Bord Gáis electricity customer, having solar through them keeps everything in one place.
- Finance options. Bord Gáis may offer payment plans or financing that smaller companies can't match.
- Clean Export Guarantee. As your electricity supplier, they can offer a seamless export tariff for surplus solar generation.
Bord Gáis Solar Panels: Cons
- Higher prices. The 15–25% premium is significant on a purchase of this size. On a 10-panel system, that could mean €1,500–€2,000 extra.
- Subcontracted installation. You don't choose who installs your panels. The quality of subcontractors can vary, and you're less likely to deal with the same person throughout.
- Less flexibility. Standardised packages may not perfectly suit your roof or usage. Independent installers typically design a custom system after a detailed site survey.
- Longer wait times. Large energy companies often have longer lead times due to high demand and scheduling subcontractors.
- Locked into their export rate. While you can switch electricity supplier at any time, going through Bord Gáis may create a perception of lock-in. Always compare export tariff rates across suppliers.
What About SSE Airtricity and Electric Ireland Solar?
Bord Gáis isn't the only energy supplier offering solar. SSE Airtricity and Electric Ireland have similar propositions. The same trade-offs apply — brand reliability and convenience versus price and flexibility. If you're considering any of the big energy companies for solar, get quotes from at least 2–3 independent SEAI-registered installers as well so you can compare like-for-like.
How to Compare Solar Quotes Properly
Whether you go with Bord Gáis or an independent installer, make sure you're comparing on these points:
- Total cost after SEAI grant — the number that actually matters
- Panel brand and wattage — higher wattage panels (e.g. 430W vs 380W) produce more per panel. Check our solar panel brands guide for what to look for
- Inverter brand and type — hybrid inverters cost more but support battery add-ons later. See our inverter comparison
- Workmanship warranty — how long does the installer guarantee their work? (Manufacturer warranties are separate)
- Estimated annual generation (kWh) — based on your roof orientation, pitch, and shading
- Installation timeline — when can they start and finish?
Use our solar savings calculator to estimate what a system would save you based on your specific situation.
Should You Get Solar Panels from Bord Gáis?
Bord Gáis is a perfectly fine choice for solar panels if you value the convenience and security of dealing with a large energy company and you're comfortable paying a premium for it.
However, if you want the best value for money, a custom system design, and faster installation, you'll likely get a better deal from an independent SEAI-registered installer. The equipment and SEAI grant are the same either way — the main difference is price and who does the work.
Our recommendation: get at least 3 quotes — one from Bord Gáis (or your energy supplier) and two from local top-rated independent installers. Compare the total cost, equipment, and warranties side by side. For a full overview of what to expect, see our complete guide to solar panel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Bord Gáis solar panels cost?
Bord Gáis solar panels typically cost €5,000–€11,000 before the SEAI grant, depending on system size. This is generally 15–25% more than independent installers for equivalent systems. After the SEAI grant of up to €1,800, most systems cost between €4,000 and €9,000.
Are Bord Gáis solar panels good quality?
Yes. Bord Gáis uses Tier 1 solar panels and reputable inverter brands. The equipment is comparable to what independent installers use. The difference is mainly in price and the installation experience rather than equipment quality.
Can I get the SEAI grant through Bord Gáis?
Yes. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 is available regardless of which installer you use, including Bord Gáis. They handle the grant application as part of their service — this is standard practice across all SEAI-registered installers.
Do I have to be a Bord Gáis customer to get their solar panels?
No. You don't need to be an existing Bord Gáis electricity or gas customer to use their solar installation service. However, being a customer may offer additional benefits like bundled export tariffs.
How long does Bord Gáis take to install solar panels?
From initial enquiry to installation, Bord Gáis typically takes 6–12 weeks. This includes the site survey, quote, and scheduling. The actual installation usually takes 1–2 days. Independent installers can often complete the process in 2–6 weeks.
Sources
- Bord Gáis Energy: Solar PV Installation, bordgaisenergy.ie
- SEAI: Solar Electricity Grant, seai.ie
- Selectra: Bord Gáis Solar Panels, selectra.ie
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the Irish solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official SEAI data and maintains relationships with SEAI-registered installers across Ireland.