Are you considering installing photovoltaic panels for your home or business in Ireland? Understanding the cost of installing solar panels in Ireland can be challenging. This comprehensive guide on solar panel cost in Ireland will break down everything you need to know about PV solar panels prices in Ireland, the average cost, and how much solar panels are in Ireland for residential and commercial use. Let’s get started!
How Much Do Residential Solar Panels Cost?
The average cost of solar panels in Ireland varies based on the system size, panel type, and installation factors. Typically, a residential solar PV system ranges from €6,000 to €13,000, including installation. This range covers systems from 2kW to 6kW, the most common residential property size.
Commercial Solar Panel Cost in Ireland
The cost of commercial PV panel installations depends on the size and complexity of the project. The price per watt may decrease for larger systems due to economies of scale. Commercial solar PV installations in Ireland cost between €15,000 and €200,000 or more, depending on the project’s size and requirements.
Solar Panel Costs in Ireland (Before and After Grants)
For a small system with a rated capacity of 2kW, producing an annual output of 2,856 kWh, the cost before the grant is €5,700. After applying the SEAI grant:
- The net cost becomes €3,900
- The estimated annual output is 2,856 kWh
Moving on to a medium-sized system with a rated capacity of 5kW and producing 3,573 kWh annually, the cost before the grant is €10,000. After factoring in the SEAI grant:
- The net cost reduces to €7,600
- The estimated annual output is 3,573 kWh
Considering a large system with a rated capacity of 9kW and an annual output of 4,323 kWh, it costs €18,000 before the grant. Once you apply the SEAI grant:
- The net cost is €15,600
- The estimated annual output is 4,323 kWh
Solar Panel Costs and Performance for Different House Sizes
The cost of solar panels can vary depending on the size of your home and the number of panels required. Here’s a comparison of different solar array sizes, cost, generation, CO2 saved, and ROI for different house sizes after the SEAI grant:
For a 2-bed terraced house with a solar array size of 2 kWp (5 x 400w panels), the cost after the SEAI grant is €3,900. With this setup:
- The annual output is 2,856 kWh
- CO2 savings are up to 770 kg
- The ROI is 18.0%
For a 3-bed semi-detached house with a solar array size of 3 kWp (7 x 429w panels), the cost after the SEAI grant is €5,880. In this case:
- The annual output is 3,000 kWh
- CO2 savings are up to 900 kg
- The ROI is 20.5%
In the case of a 4-bed detached house with a solar array size of 5 kWp (12 x 417w panels), the cost after the SEAI grant is €7,600. Here’s what you can expect:
- An annual output of 3,573 kWh
- CO2 savings of up to 1,500 kg
- An ROI of 23.3%
Finally, for a 6-bed detached house with a solar array size of 7 kWp (16 x 438w panels), the cost after the SEAI grant is €13,000. With this setup:
- The annual output is 4,800 kWh
- CO2 savings are up to 2,100 kg
- The ROI is 25.2%
Factors Influencing Photovoltaic Panel Prices
When determining the cost of installing solar PV panels in Ireland, several factors contribute to the overall price. These factors include
Type and Size
The cost of a solar energy system depends on the size and type of the system you choose. Larger systems with higher capacities will be more expensive than smaller systems.
Quality
The quality of the panels you choose will impact the price. Higher-quality panels typically have a higher price tag but can offer better efficiency and longer-lasting performance.
Installation Costs
Solar panel installation prices in Ireland can vary depending on the project’s complexity, location, and the solar installer you choose. These costs may include labour, permits, and equipment.
Incentives and Grants
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants to significantly reduce the cost of solar PV installations in Ireland. The grant amount depends on the size and capacity of your solar PV system.
Savings and Return on Investment (ROI)
Photovoltaic panels can help homeowners and businesses save money on electricity bills by generating clean, renewable energy. The ROI for renewable energy in Ireland depends on the size and cost of the system and the amount of power generated and used.
Here’s a breakdown of potential savings and earnings for different system sizes:
Small system (2 kW rated capacity):
- Annual Savings: €400
- Annual Earnings: €100
- Total Annual Benefit: €500
Medium-sized system (5 kW rated capacity):
- Annual Savings: €800
- Annual Earnings: €200
- Total Annual Benefit: €1,000
Large system (9 kW rated capacity):
- Annual Savings: €1,200
- Annual Earnings: €300
- Total Annual Benefit: €1,500
On average, it takes about 7-10 years for a solar PV system to pay for itself through savings on energy bills. This makes solar energy not only an environmentally friendly choice but also a financially sound investment.
Feed-in Tariffs
Besides savings on energy bills, solar PV owners in Ireland can earn money through feed-in tariffs. Feed-in tariffs are payments made to solar PV system owners for the excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid. This additional income can further improve the ROI of your investment.
Increased Property Value
Photovoltaic panels can also increase the value of your property. According to studies, homes with solar PV systems sell faster and at a higher price than homes without. This added value can be an essential factor to consider when assessing the overall ROI of your investment.
Solar Storage Battery Costs in Ireland
In addition to the cost of solar panels, some homeowners may also consider investing in a solar storage battery. These batteries allow excess solar energy to be stored for later use when the sun isn’t shining. The cost of a typical solar storage battery that can store about 5.1kWh of power can add around €3,600 to €4,000 to the cost of a PV solar panel installation.
While solar storage batteries can be a significant upfront cost, they can also provide additional benefits regarding energy independence and greater control over electricity usage. For example, if you are mostly away from home during the day when your panels produce most of their electricity, a battery can store some of that power when you return later. However, storage may be less of a priority if your home is normally occupied during the day.
Get a Customized Quote Today!
Now that you understand the cost of installing solar panels in Ireland and the potential savings, it’s time to take the next step. At Going Solar, we offer competitive pricing and expert installation services for both residential and commercial systems. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs and start enjoying the benefits of solar energy!
