Commercial Solar Panels in Ireland
Irish businesses can now install solar PV systems up to 1MWp with grant support of up to €162,600 through the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG).
With electricity prices remaining high, business solar panels deliver a typical payback of 5–7 years and a 10–15% annual ROI. From small offices to warehouses and farms, solar panels for business in Ireland are now the fastest way to cut energy costs.
Last updated March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Quick Answer
Commercial solar panels in Ireland cost €15,000–€250,000 depending on system size, with the SEAI NDMG grant covering up to €162,600. A typical 50 kWp business system costs €40,000–€55,000 net, saves €9,000–€13,000/year on electricity, and pays for itself in 5–7 years with a 10–15% annual ROI.
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Estimates: €850/kWp installed, 860 kWh/kWp yield, 75% self-consumption at 27c/kWh, export at 21c/kWh. Actual costs vary by installer and site. VAT at 23% applies (reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses).
What are commercial solar panels?
Commercial solar panels are larger-scale solar PV systems designed for businesses, farms, schools, community buildings, and public sector organisations. While residential solar systems are typically 3–6 kWp (8–14 panels), commercial systems range from 10 kWp to 1,000 kWp (1 MWp), covering significantly more roof or ground space and generating far more electricity.
The technology is identical to residential solar PV: photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into DC electricity, an inverter converts it to AC, and the business uses it on-site. Surplus can be exported to the grid for income. The key difference is scale: a 50 kWp system on a warehouse roof generates approximately 43,000–48,000 kWh per year, enough to offset a significant portion of a business’s electricity consumption.
Small Business
10–30 kWp systems for offices, shops, and small workshops. 25–70 panels on an existing roof.
Medium Business
30–200 kWp for warehouses, factories, hotels, and large retail. Flat roofs are ideal for ballasted mounting.
Large / Agricultural
200–1,000 kWp for large farms, data centres, and industrial sites. May include ground-mounted arrays. See our farm solar guide for TAMS 3 grants and farm-specific sizing.
What is the NDMG grant for commercial solar?
The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG) is SEAI’s grant scheme for businesses installing solar PV. It covers systems up to 1,000 kWp (1 MWp) with a maximum grant of €162,600. The grant rate varies by system size, and smaller systems get a higher rate per kWp. These commercial solar panel grants apply to all non-domestic properties — including solar panel grants for commercial buildings, farms, schools, and community centres.
| System Size | Grant Rate | Example Grant |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kWp | €900 flat | €900 |
| 2–6 kWp | €2,400 flat | €2,400 |
| 7–20 kWp | €300/kWp | €6,000 (20 kWp) |
| 21–200 kWp | €200/kWp | €40,000 (200 kWp) |
| 201–1,000 kWp | €150/kWp | €120,000 (1,000 kWp) |
Who can apply for the NDMG?
- Businesses and commercial operations
- Agricultural operations and farms
- Public sector bodies
- Schools and community centres
- Non-profit organisations
The premises must have been built and occupied on or before 31 December 2020. The NDMG grant must not have already been claimed at the property.
Tax Clearance
If your business receives more than €10,000 in grants annually, you need a valid Tax Clearance Certificate. Apply through Revenue Online Service (ROS) before submitting your NDMG application.
How much do commercial solar panels cost in Ireland?
A typical 50 kWp commercial solar installation costs €28,000–€43,000 after the NDMG grant.
Commercial solar panels in Ireland cost €800–€900 per kWp installed, or €18,000 to €400,000 depending on system size. Larger systems benefit from lower costs per kWp due to economies of scale.
| System Size | Gross Cost (est.) | NDMG Grant | Net Cost (est.) | Annual Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kWp | €18,000–€24,000 | €6,000 | €12,000–€18,000 | ~17,000 kWh |
| 50 kWp | €40,000–€55,000 | €12,000 | €28,000–€43,000 | ~43,000 kWh |
| 100 kWp | €70,000–€100,000 | €22,000 | €48,000–€78,000 | ~86,000 kWh |
| 200 kWp | €130,000–€180,000 | €42,400 | €88,000–€138,000 | ~172,000 kWh |
| 500 kWp | €300,000–€400,000 | €87,400 | €213,000–€313,000 | ~430,000 kWh |
Costs are estimates based on Irish market rates in 2026. Actual costs vary by installer, roof type, and project complexity. VAT at 23% applies to commercial installations (reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses). Generation estimates assume average Irish solar yield of 860 kWh/kWp.
Commercial solar power savings & ROI in Ireland
Commercial solar in Ireland delivers a typical annual ROI of 10–15% with a payback period of 5–7 years. A system can reduce electricity bills by 30–50%, and surplus electricity earns approximately 19.5c/kWh through the Clean Export Guarantee. Businesses with high daytime electricity use see the best returns.
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Payback period | 5–7 years |
| Annual ROI | 10–15% |
| System lifespan | 25–30 years |
| Electricity cost savings | 30–50% of electricity bill |
| Export income (surplus) | 19.5c/kWh (Clean Export Guarantee) |
| Carbon reduction | ~0.3 tonnes CO2 per MWh generated |
Tax benefits
Commercial solar qualifies for the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme, allowing businesses to write off 100% of the cost against corporation tax in the first year. Combined with VAT recovery and the NDMG grant, the effective cost is significantly reduced.
Battery storage
Battery storage systems can be paired with commercial solar to store excess generation for use during peak-rate hours. This increases self-consumption and reduces reliance on grid electricity, further improving ROI. Battery costs are not covered by the NDMG grant.
VAT on commercial solar panels in Ireland
Commercial solar installations are subject to 23% VAT in Ireland. However, VAT-registered businesses can reclaim this through their normal VAT returns, making it effectively cost-neutral. This is a significant advantage over residential installations where the 0% VAT rate was introduced to help homeowners who cannot reclaim VAT.
| Item | VAT Treatment | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels and inverter | 23% (reclaimable) | Effectively €0 VAT for VAT-registered businesses |
| Installation labour | 23% (reclaimable) | Effectively €0 VAT for VAT-registered businesses |
| NDMG grant | Not subject to VAT | Grant paid on ex-VAT costs |
| Export income (surplus electricity) | Subject to VAT at 23% | Income is VATable — include in VAT returns |
Practical example
A 50 kWp system costing €50,000 + VAT (€11,500) = €61,500. The NDMG grant is calculated on the ex-VAT cost. A VAT-registered business reclaims the €11,500 VAT, and receives the NDMG grant on the €50,000 — so the effective cost is significantly lower than the headline price.
Selling surplus solar electricity back to the grid
Irish businesses with commercial solar can sell surplus electricity to the grid through the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). While self-consumption delivers the best return (avoiding grid purchase at 25–35c/kWh), export income provides an additional revenue stream for weekends and low-usage periods.
| Supplier | Export Rate | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Ireland | ~21c/kWh | 12 months |
| SSE Airtricity | ~18c/kWh | 12 months |
| Energia | ~24c/kWh | 12 months |
| Bord Gáis Energy | ~18c/kWh | 12 months |
Requirements
- Smart meter installed by ESB Networks
- Grid connection agreement in place
- Export supplier contract signed
- System registered with your electricity supplier
Export rates are approximate and subject to change. See our microgeneration guide for full details on selling electricity back to the grid.
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Get a Quote ↓What size solar system does my business need?
Most Irish businesses install commercial solar systems between 20 and 200 kWp. A small office or shop typically needs 10–20 kWp (25–50 panels), a warehouse or factory needs 50–200 kWp, and large industrial sites can go up to 1,000 kWp. System size depends on electricity consumption, roof area, and budget.
| Business Type | Typical System | Panels | Roof Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small office / shop | 10–20 kWp | 25–50 | 50–100 m² |
| Restaurant / hotel | 20–50 kWp | 50–125 | 100–250 m² |
| Warehouse / factory | 50–200 kWp | 125–500 | 250–1,000 m² |
| Farm (dairy / tillage) | 30–100 kWp | 75–250 | 150–500 m² |
| School / community | 20–50 kWp | 50–125 | 100–250 m² |
| Manufacturing / food processing | 50–300 kWp | 125–750 | 250–1,500 m² |
| Large industrial / data centre | 200–1,000 kWp | 500–2,500 | 1,000–5,000 m² |
Rule of thumb: 1 kWp requires approximately 4–5 m² of roof space and generates ~860 kWh/year in Ireland.
Do commercial solar panels need planning permission?
Roof-mounted commercial solar panels in Ireland are exempt from planning permission for installations up to 50 m², provided panels do not extend above the ridgeline or more than 15cm from the roof surface. Ground-mounted systems and installations on protected structures always require planning permission.
| Installation Type | Planning Required? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Roof-mounted (industrial) | Exempt up to 50 m² | Must not extend above ridgeline or more than 15cm from roof |
| Roof-mounted (business park) | Exempt up to 50 m² | Same conditions as industrial |
| Ground-mounted | Yes, typically required | Some agricultural exemptions for small arrays |
| Protected structures | Yes, always required | Additional heritage considerations |
Large systems (>50 m²)
If your system exceeds the planning exemption limits, your installer should handle the planning application as part of the project. Commercial planning applications typically take 8–12 weeks. This should be started before your NDMG application, as the NDMG letter of offer is valid for 8 months.
How do you apply for the NDMG grant?
To apply for the NDMG grant: choose an SEAI-registered installer, apply online at mgen.seai.ie, wait for your Letter of Offer, arrange ESB Networks connection (minimum 4 weeks), then proceed with installation. The full process takes 3–6 months from application to generating electricity.
Choose an SEAI-registered commercial installer
Select a company from the SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen register. Get at least 2–3 quotes. The installer will conduct a site survey, review your electricity bills, and recommend a system size.
Apply online at mgen.seai.ie
Submit your NDMG grant application through the SEAI portal. You'll need your business details, MPRN, and installer information. Wait for your Letter of Offer before starting any work.
ESB Networks connection
Your installer applies to ESB Networks for grid connection. This takes a minimum of 4 weeks (20 working days). Plan for this lead time.
Installation
Once you have your Letter of Offer and ESB approval, installation proceeds. A 50 kWp system typically takes 3–5 days. Larger systems may take 1–3 weeks.
Documentation and payment
Your installer submits completion evidence to SEAI. The grant is paid within 4–6 weeks of receiving complete documentation. Ensure your BIC and IBAN details are correct.
Important timing
Do not begin any installation work before receiving your SEAI Letter of Offer, or you will lose the grant. The offer is valid for 8 months from the date of issue.
Find commercial solar installers near you
Browse SEAI-registered solar panel installers by county. Compare reviews, check ratings, and request quotes for commercial solar installations.
Commercial solar guides by county
Commercial Solar Panels FAQ
How much can a business save with solar panels in Ireland?
A typical commercial solar installation saves 30–50% on electricity bills. A 50 kWp system generating ~43,000 kWh/year can save €9,000–€13,000 annually including self-consumption savings (at 25–30c/kWh) and export income from surplus electricity.
How long do commercial solar panels last?
Commercial solar panels last 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% output at 25 years. Inverters typically need replacing once (after 10–15 years, costing €1,500–€5,000). After 30 years, panels still produce electricity — just at reduced efficiency.
How does commercial solar power work?
Solar PV panels on your roof or ground convert sunlight into DC electricity. An inverter converts this to AC power, which your business uses directly. Any surplus is exported to the grid for income. The system connects behind your meter, so you use solar electricity first and only draw from the grid when needed.
How efficient are commercial solar panels?
Modern commercial solar panels are 20–22% efficient, converting roughly one-fifth of sunlight into electricity. Premium panels (e.g. SunPower, Maxeon) reach 22.8%. In Irish conditions, a well-installed system produces around 860 kWh per kWp per year. Efficiency losses from temperature, shading, and inverter conversion are typically 10–15%.
How big are commercial solar panels?
Standard commercial solar panels measure approximately 1.7m × 1.1m (1.87 m²) and weigh 20–22 kg each. A single panel is typically rated at 400–550 Wp. Larger 72-cell or 144-half-cell panels (2.1m × 1.1m) are common on commercial roofs where space allows.
What are the benefits of commercial solar panels?
Key benefits include: 30–50% reduction in electricity bills, NDMG grant up to €162,600, 100% tax write-off via ACA in year one, 25–30 year system lifespan, protection against rising energy costs, carbon reduction for ESG reporting, and export income from surplus electricity.
Is there VAT on commercial solar panels in Ireland?
Yes, commercial solar installations are subject to 23% VAT (unlike residential at 0%). However, VAT-registered businesses can reclaim the VAT through their normal VAT returns, making it effectively cost-neutral.
Can farms get the NDMG grant in Ireland?
Yes. Agricultural operations are fully eligible for the NDMG grant. Farms can also access TAMS 3 (60% grant) for solar — see our dedicated farm solar guide for full details. Check with your installer and Teagasc adviser for the best grant option.
Do commercial solar panels work on flat roofs?
Yes. Flat roofs are actually ideal for commercial solar. Panels are mounted on ballasted frames at an optimal angle (30–35 degrees) without needing to drill into the roof membrane. This is the most common setup for warehouses, factories, and retail buildings in Ireland.
How long does a commercial solar installation take in Ireland?
The installation itself takes 3–5 days for a typical 50 kWp system, or 1–3 weeks for larger systems. The full process, from NDMG application to generating electricity, takes 3–6 months including ESB Networks connection (minimum 4 weeks).
Can I install solar on a leased building?
Yes, but you need written consent from your landlord. The NDMG application must be made by the entity that will benefit from the electricity (typically the tenant occupying the building). The grant is tied to the property, not the tenant.
What is the Accelerated Capital Allowance for solar?
The ACA allows businesses to write off 100% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient equipment, including solar PV, against corporation tax in the first year, rather than over the standard 8-year period. This significantly improves the first-year ROI.
Can I sell excess electricity from commercial solar?
Yes. Under the Clean Export Guarantee, businesses can sell surplus electricity to the grid at approximately 19.5c/kWh. You need a smart meter and grid connection via ESB Networks. However, maximising self-consumption gives the best financial return.
What is the best solar panel system for commercial use?
The best system depends on your electricity consumption and roof space. Most Irish businesses suit monocrystalline panels (higher efficiency per m²) with string inverters for systems under 100 kWp, or micro-inverters for complex roofs. Your SEAI-registered installer will recommend the optimal setup after a site survey.
Related Guides
Sources
- SEAI — Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme (NDMG)
- SEAI — Accelerated Capital Allowance
- Revenue — Accelerated Capital Allowances for Energy Efficient Equipment
- ESB Networks — Micro and Small-Scale Generation
Last updated: March 2026
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.
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