Best Solar Panels, Inverters & Batteries — Ireland 2026
A guide to the equipment Irish solar installers are using in 2026. We cover the leading panel brands, inverter types, battery storage options, and what to look for when choosing a system.
Last updated February 2026
Key Takeaways
What Are the Best Solar Panels for Ireland?
Most Irish installers use panels in the 420–450W range. The industry has shifted to N-type TOPCon cell technology, which offers higher efficiency and better low-light performance than the older P-type PERC panels. All major brands below are Tier 1 (bankable, established manufacturers).
| Brand | Key Model | Wattage | Efficiency | Warranty | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jinko Solar | Tiger Neo N-type | 440W | 22.3% | 25yr / 30yr perf. | Mid-range |
| JA Solar | DeepBlue 4.0 | 440W | 21.8% | 25yr / 25yr perf. | Mid-range |
| Trina Solar | Vertex S+ N-type | 445W | 23.3% | 25yr / 25yr perf. | Mid-range |
| TW Solar | TNC 2.0 TOPCon | 450W | 24.6% | 25yr / 30yr perf. | Mid-range |
| Aiko Solar | Neostar 2S+ | 460W | 24.2% | 25yr / 30yr perf. | Premium |
| ATLAS (Activ8) | Duo N-Type | 445W | 22.8% | 25yr / 25yr perf. | Exclusive |
N-type TOPCon vs P-type PERC
If you received a quote with P-type PERC panels, it may be using older stock. N-type TOPCon panels are now the industry standard — they offer 1–3% higher efficiency, better temperature performance, less degradation over time, and improved output on cloudy days. All the brands above use N-type TOPCon (except Aiko, which uses the even newer All Back Contact design).
Which Inverter Should You Choose?
The inverter converts DC electricity from your panels into AC for your home. There are three main types: string inverters (one box for all panels), hybrid inverters (string + battery management), and microinverters (one per panel). Most Irish installations use hybrid inverters to allow battery storage later.
| Brand | Model | Type | Efficiency | Price Tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei | Sun2000 KTL | Hybrid | 97.5% | Mid-range | Most homes (market leader) |
| Solis | S6 Series | Hybrid | 97.7% | Budget-friendly | Value-focused installs |
| Sungrow | SH Series | Hybrid | 97.5% | Mid-range | Sungrow battery ecosystem |
| SolarEdge | Home Wave | Optimiser-based | 99.5%* | Premium | Shaded / complex roofs |
| Enphase | IQ8 Microinverter | Microinverter | 97.5% | Premium | Heavy shading / multi-direction |
| Sigenergy | SigenStor 5-in-1 | All-in-one | 97.5% | Mid-range | Inverter + battery + EV charger |
*SolarEdge efficiency includes module-level optimisers. System-level efficiency varies.
String / Hybrid
Single inverter for all panels. Most cost-effective. "Hybrid" means it can manage a battery too. Suits most Irish homes with a single roof face.
Optimiser-based
An optimiser on each panel feeds into a central inverter. If one panel is shaded, others still perform at full output. Worth the extra cost on partially shaded roofs.
Microinverter
One inverter per panel — no single point of failure. Maximum flexibility for roofs facing multiple directions. Higher cost but best per-panel monitoring.
Do You Need a Solar Battery?
A battery stores excess solar energy for use in the evening. Without a battery, about 55% of your solar electricity is used directly and 45% is exported. With a battery, self-consumption rises to 75–85%. Most Irish batteries use LiFePO4 chemistry (safer, longer-lasting than lithium-ion).
| Brand | Model | Capacity | Approx. Cost | Warranty | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei | Luna2000 | 5–15 kWh | €3,100 + €2,200/module | 10yr | Mid-range |
| Sigenergy | SigenStor | 5–48 kWh | ~€2,300/5 kWh | 10yr | Mid-range |
| Duracell | Dura5 | 5 kWh (modular) | €2,300 + €1,700/module | 10yr | Mid-range |
| GivEnergy | GivEnergy Battery | 5 kWh (modular) | ~€2,100/module | 12yr | Budget-friendly |
| Tesla | Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | €9,000–€11,500 | 10yr | Premium |
| BYD | Battery Box HVS | 5 kWh (modular) | ~€1,800/module | 10yr | Budget-friendly |
Do you need a battery?
Batteries are optional. The financial case depends on your usage pattern:
Battery makes sense if:
- ✓ You use most electricity in evenings
- ✓ You have a heat pump or EV to charge overnight
- ✓ You want backup power during outages
- ✓ Your export rate is low (<18c/kWh)
May not be worth it if:
- ✗ You work from home and use electricity during the day
- ✗ You have a high export rate (25c+/kWh)
- ✗ Budget is tight — panels alone have better ROI
- ✗ Payback on batteries is 8–11 years vs 4–6 for panels
How much roof space do I need for solar panels?
Each solar panel measures approximately 1.72m × 1.13m (about 1.95 m²). A typical 10-panel (4.4 kWp) system needs around 20 m² of unshaded, south-facing roof space. An 8-panel system needs about 16 m², while a larger 14-panel system requires approximately 28 m². Most semi-detached and detached Irish homes have enough south- or east/west-facing roof area for 8–14 panels. Panels can be split across east and west roof faces if you don't have a south-facing roof — output is typically 85–90% of a south-facing system.
How long do solar panels last in Ireland?
Solar panels installed in Ireland last 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. Modern panels degrade at just 0.3–0.5% per year, meaning after 25 years they still produce 85–90% of their original output. Inverters typically need replacing once (after 10–15 years, costing €1,000–€1,500), while batteries are warranted for 10–12 years. With a payback period of 4–6 years, that leaves 20+ years of near-free electricity.
Panels
25–30 year lifespan. 25-year product warranty and 25–30 year performance guarantee (80–87% output) are standard on Tier 1 brands.
Inverters
10–15 year lifespan. Budget €1,000–€1,500 for one replacement over the system lifetime. Microinverters (Enphase) last 20+ years.
Batteries
10–12 year warranty. LiFePO4 chemistry (Huawei, Sigenergy) typically retains 80%+ capacity after 6,000 charge cycles.
What happens to solar panels after 25 years?
Solar panels don't stop working after 25 years — they continue generating electricity at a slightly reduced output. After 25 years, panels typically produce 85–90% of their original capacity due to gradual degradation of 0.3–0.5% per year. Many homeowners choose to keep their panels running well beyond the warranty period. When panels are eventually replaced, they can be recycled — silicon, glass, and aluminium are all recoverable. Under the EU WEEE Directive, manufacturers are responsible for end-of-life recycling at no cost to the homeowner.
How do you compare solar equipment side by side?
Select any 2–3 products within a category to see a side-by-side comparison.
Select up to 3 to compare side by side:
What size solar system do you need for an Irish home?
Based on 440W panels at current pricing. All costs include 0% VAT and are shown after the SEAI grant deduction.
| Home Type | Panels | System Size | SEAI Grant | Net Cost (est.) | Annual Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small / apartment | 6 panels | 2.64 kWp | €1,528 | €3,100 – €4,100 | ~2,300 kWh |
| Average 3-bed | 8 panels | 3.52 kWp | €1,704 | €4,500 – €5,500 | ~3,100 kWh |
| Average 3-4 bed | 10 panels | 4.40 kWp | €1,800 (max) | €5,500 – €7,500 | ~3,900 kWh |
| Larger 4-bed | 12 panels | 5.28 kWp | €1,800 (max) | €7,400 – €9,000 | ~4,700 kWh |
| Large + EV + heat pump | 16–20 panels | 7–8.8 kWp | €1,800 (max) | €10,400 – €13,600 | ~6,200–7,800 kWh |
Output based on national average of 884 kWh/kWp. Actual output varies by county (817–965 kWh/kWp), roof orientation, and shading. Use our solar calculator for county-specific estimates.
What should you look for when choosing solar equipment?
Tier 1 Panels
Stick with Tier 1 panel manufacturers (Jinko, JA Solar, Trina, LONGi, Canadian Solar). Tier 1 means the manufacturer is bankable and will honour warranties. Avoid unknown brands even if cheaper.
SEAI Registration
Your installer must be on the SEAI registered Solar PV Company list to qualify for the grant. Check at seai.ie before signing any contract.
Warranty Terms
Look for 25-year product warranty and 25–30 year performance guarantee. A performance guarantee means the panel must still produce at least 80–87% of rated output after 25 years.
Hybrid Inverter
Even if you don't want a battery now, get a hybrid inverter. The cost difference is small and it means you can add a battery later without replacing your inverter.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Huawei inverters work best with Huawei batteries. Sungrow with Sungrow. Solis works with most third-party batteries. Check compatibility before mixing brands.
Get Multiple Quotes
Prices vary significantly between installers. Get at least 3 quotes. Compare not just price but equipment brand, warranty terms, and aftercare/monitoring included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Equipment
What are the best solar panels for Ireland?
Jinko Solar Tiger Neo and JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 are the most widely used panels by Irish installers. Both are 440W, Tier 1, N-type TOPCon panels with 25-year warranties. For higher efficiency, TW Solar (24.6%) and Aiko Solar (24.2%) are premium options.
Does the brand of solar panel matter?
Yes, but less than you might think. All Tier 1 panels perform within a few percent of each other. The bigger factors are your installer's quality of workmanship, roof orientation, and shading. Stick with Tier 1 brands (Jinko, JA Solar, Trina, LONGi, Canadian Solar) and focus on getting a good installer.
Should I get a battery with my solar panels?
Batteries increase self-consumption from ~55% to 75-85%, but they add €4,000-€7,000 to the cost and have a longer payback period (8-11 years vs 4-6 for panels alone). If you use most electricity in the evening or have an EV/heat pump, a battery is worth considering. If budget is tight, panels alone give the best ROI.
What's the best inverter for Irish homes?
Huawei Sun2000 is the market leader with an excellent monitoring app and Huawei Luna2000 battery integration. Solis S6 is the best budget option. For shaded roofs, SolarEdge (optimisers) or Enphase (microinverters) are worth the premium.
What size solar system do I need?
For an average 3-4 bed Irish home using 4,200 kWh/year, a 10-panel (4.4 kWp) system is the sweet spot — it maximises the SEAI grant (€1,800) and covers 80-100% of your usage. Larger homes with EVs or heat pumps may benefit from 14-20 panels.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels last 25-30 years. Performance degrades slowly — typically 0.3-0.5% per year, so after 25 years they still produce 85-90% of original output. Inverters last 10-15 years and may need replacing once. Batteries are warranted for 10-12 years.
What are solar panels made of?
Solar panels are primarily made of silicon solar cells, a glass front sheet, an aluminium frame, and a polymer back sheet. The silicon cells (either monocrystalline or polycrystalline) are the active layer that converts sunlight into electricity. Modern N-type TOPCon cells used in Ireland use high-purity monocrystalline silicon with a thin tunnel oxide layer for higher efficiency.
What is an inverter for solar panels?
An inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) at 230V — the type your home uses. Most Irish installations use a hybrid inverter, which also manages battery charging and discharging. The inverter is typically installed in your attic or utility room. Leading brands in Ireland include Huawei, Solis, and Sungrow.
What size are solar panels?
Modern solar panels used in Ireland measure approximately 1.72m × 1.13m (about 1.95 m²) and weigh around 21–23 kg each. A typical 10-panel system requires about 20 m² of roof space. Panels are mounted flush to the roof using brackets and do not extend more than 15cm above the roof surface. Most semi-detached and detached homes have enough south- or east/west-facing roof space for 8–14 panels.
Sources
- SEAI — Solar PV Technology Guide — seai.ie
- Bloomberg NEF — Tier 1 Solar Module Maker List — BloombergNEF
- SEAI — Solar Electricity Grant — seai.ie
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