How to get solar panels in Ireland

1. Check the home before the quote

Start with the basics: annual electricity use, daytime occupancy, roof direction, roof age, shading and whether major energy upgrades are already planned.

• Find your MPRN on the electricity bill.
• Have recent kWh usage ready, ideally from a full year.
• Photograph the roof, attic access, fuse board and possible inverter location.
• Note any chimneys, dormers, skylights, trees or neighbouring buildings that cast shade.

2. Get quotes that can be compared

Do not compare only on the final price. Ask every installer for the same core information so you can compare system size, assumptions and responsibilities.

3. Apply before works begin

For the SEAI Solar PV grant, the safe rule is simple: apply and receive grant approval before installation work starts. Keep the grant approval and quote together.

1. Choose the preferred quote, but do not allow works to start yet.
2. Apply through the SEAI grant route with the home and MPRN details.
3. Wait for approval, then agree the installation date.
4. Make sure the installer is still SEAI registered when the installation is carried out.

4. Installation and handover

A good handover should leave you with more than working panels. You should understand how to read the app or inverter, what to do in a fault, what is covered by warranty and what documents support the grant.

• Declaration of Works and relevant grant paperwork.
• Component datasheets and warranty documents.
• Operation and maintenance instructions.
• Estimated system performance and monitoring access.
• Confirmation that ESB Networks notification has been handled where required.

5. After payment

Once the system is live, monitor generation and exports for the first few billing cycles. Check that your supplier has the correct export payment process and that the monitoring app roughly matches the quote assumptions over time.