Solar Panel Installation in Ireland — What to Expect
Installing solar panels in Ireland is a straightforward process when you use an SEAI-registered installer. Most residential installations are completed in 1–2 days, and the SEAI grant process is handled largely by your installer. Here's everything you need to know — from getting quotes to cleaning your panels.
Last updated February 2026
Reviewed by the Solar Info editorial team. Editorial policy
How are solar panels installed in Ireland?
In Ireland, solar panels must be installed by an SEAI-registered company if you want to claim the grant. Here's the step-by-step process from start to finish:
Get quotes from SEAI-registered installers
Contact at least 2–3 installers from the SEAI Solar PV Company register. They will assess your roof, recommend a system size, and provide a written quote. You must have a signed contract before applying for the grant.
Apply for the SEAI grant
Submit your application online at seai.ie. You'll need your MPRN (from your electricity bill), Eircode, and installer details. Applications are often approved within minutes.
Receive your Letter of Offer
SEAI issues a Letter of Offer confirming your grant amount. Important: do NOT let your installer start any work before you receive this letter, or you'll lose the grant. The offer is valid for 8 months.
Installation day (1–2 days)
Your installer mounts the panels on your roof using brackets, installs the inverter (usually in your attic or utility room), and connects everything to your consumer unit. A registered electrician handles all electrical works.
ESB Networks grid connection
Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks to register your system for grid connection and export payments. ESB Networks may install a smart meter if you don't have one (free of charge).
BER assessment
An SEAI-registered BER Assessor visits your home after installation. The BER certificate is published on the National BER Register. Cost: approximately €150–€300 (paid by you).
Grant payment
Your installer submits all documentation to SEAI. The grant (up to €1,800) is paid directly to your bank account within 4–6 weeks.
What about planning permission?
Most residential solar panel installations in Ireland are exempt from planning permission under SI 235 of 2008. The panels must not extend more than 15cm above the roof surface, not project above the ridge line, and the total panel area must not exceed 12 m² or 50% of the roof area (whichever is less). Listed buildings and protected structures may need separate permission.
How long does solar panel installation take?
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Getting quotes and choosing an installer | 1–3 weeks |
| SEAI grant application and Letter of Offer | Minutes to 2 weeks |
| Waiting for installation date | 2–8 weeks (depends on installer availability) |
| Physical installation | 1–2 days |
| ESB Networks grid connection | 2–6 weeks |
| BER assessment | 1–2 weeks to schedule |
| Total: quote to generating electricity | 6–16 weeks |
Timelines vary depending on installer availability, time of year, and ESB Networks processing times. Summer is the busiest period for installers.
Can I install solar panels myself in Ireland?
Technically you can install solar panels yourself, but it is strongly not recommended in Ireland for several reasons. You will not qualify for the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 — only SEAI-registered companies can complete grant-eligible installations. Self-installation means you pay 13.5% VAT instead of 0%. You won't get a Safe Electric completion certificate, which is required for the NC6 grid connection. Your home insurance may not cover damage from a non-professional installation, and manufacturer warranties may be voided.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels require very little maintenance because they have no moving parts. In Ireland, rainfall keeps panels mostly clean naturally. The main maintenance tasks are checking your monitoring app periodically to confirm normal output, cleaning panels once or twice a year if bird droppings or lichen accumulate, and having your inverter checked if output drops unexpectedly. Your inverter may need replacing once over the 25-year life of the system (typically after 10–15 years), at a cost of €1,000–€2,000.
Annual maintenance checklist
- ✓ Check monitoring app for any output drops or error codes
- ✓ Visual inspection of panels from ground level for debris or damage
- ✓ Clean panels if bird droppings or lichen are visible (soft brush + warm water)
- ✓ Check inverter display for any warning lights or error messages
- ✓ Confirm export meter readings match your supplier's records
How do you clean solar panels?
Solar panels in Ireland require very little cleaning. Irish rainfall does a good job of keeping panels clean naturally. However, if you notice a build-up of dirt, bird droppings, or lichen (common on north-facing edges), a periodic clean can improve output by 3–5%.
Do
- ✓ Use a soft brush or sponge with warm water
- ✓ Clean in the early morning or evening (cool panels)
- ✓ Use a garden hose at low pressure from ground level if accessible
- ✓ Clean once or twice a year if needed
- ✓ Consider a professional solar panel cleaning service
Don't
- ✗ Use a pressure washer — it can damage seals and cells
- ✗ Use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or chemical solvents
- ✗ Walk on the panels
- ✗ Clean in the middle of a sunny day — thermal shock can crack glass
- ✗ Climb on the roof unless you are trained and insured
Ongoing maintenance
Solar panels have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance. Check your monitoring app periodically to make sure output looks normal. Your inverter may need replacing once over the 25-year life of the system (after 10–15 years). Warranties cover panel defects for 25 years and performance degradation for 25–30 years.
Where can I buy solar panels?
In Ireland, solar panels are almost always purchased as part of a supply-and-install package from an SEAI-registered installer — not bought separately from a shop. This is important because:
- ✓ The SEAI grant requires installation by a registered company
- ✓ 0% VAT only applies when supply and installation are a single contract
- ✓ Your installer handles ESB Networks registration, electrical certification, and grant paperwork
- ✓ Warranties are managed through the installer, who is accountable for the full system
How to find an installer
- ✓ Check the SEAI registered Solar PV Company list at seai.ie
- ✓ Get at least 2–3 quotes to compare pricing and equipment
- ✓ Ask about the specific panel brand, inverter, and warranty terms
- ✓ Use our free quote form to get connected with local registered installers
Buying panels separately online (e.g. from Amazon or trade suppliers) means you lose the SEAI grant, pay 13.5% VAT, and take on the risk of installation yourself. It is not recommended for residential systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Installation
How to install solar panels?
In Ireland, solar panels are installed by SEAI-registered companies. The process involves getting quotes, applying for the SEAI grant, receiving your Letter of Offer, having the panels installed (1–2 days), completing a BER assessment, and receiving the grant payment. Your installer handles the ESB Networks grid connection and most paperwork.
How to clean solar panels?
Use a soft brush or sponge with warm water. Clean in the early morning or evening when panels are cool. Avoid pressure washers, abrasive cleaners, and chemical solvents. In Ireland, rainfall keeps panels mostly clean — you may only need to clean once or twice a year if bird droppings or lichen accumulate.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar panel installations in Ireland are exempt from planning permission under SI 235 of 2008. The panels must not extend more than 15cm above the roof, not project above the ridge line, and the total area must not exceed 12 m² or 50% of the roof area (whichever is less). Listed buildings and protected structures may need separate permission from your local authority.
Where can I buy solar panels?
In Ireland, solar panels are purchased as part of a supply-and-install package from an SEAI-registered installer. This is required for the SEAI grant (up to €1,800) and 0% VAT. Check the SEAI registered Solar PV Company list at seai.ie and get at least 2–3 quotes to compare.
Related Guides
Sources
- SEAI — Solar PV Grant Process — seai.ie
- ESB Networks — Microgeneration Connection (NC6) — esbnetworks.ie
- Planning Permission — SI 235 of 2008 — irishstatutebook.ie
- Safe Electric Ireland — safeelectric.ie
The Solar Info editorial team researches and writes comprehensive guides on solar energy in Ireland. Our content is fact-checked against official SEAI data and updated regularly to reflect the latest grant rates and industry developments.
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