Solar Panel Costs and Returns in Ireland

Explore our comprehensive guide on costs, returns, and benefits of installing solar panels in 2024.

Make an informed decision to start saving on your energy bills. Contact us or fill out our contact form to get the most recent information.

How Much Does a Solar Panel System Cost in 2024?

Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs for different house sizes, which includes both the equipment and installation fees:

Price Before Grant

SEAI Grant

Website Discount

Cost to customer

Solar Array Size

Electricity Generation / year

€7,579
€1,600
15%
€4,990
"2.61 kWp (6 x 435w panels)"
2,407 KWh
€8,451
€1,825
15%
€5,499
"3.48 kWp (8 x 435w panels)"
3,029 KWh
€9,200
€2,100
15%
€5,900
4.35 kWp (10 x 435w panels)
3,782 KWh
€9,200 or €9,833
€2,100
15%
€5,900 or €6,450
4.35 kWp (10 x 435w panels) or 5.22 kWp (12 x 435w panels)
3,728 KWh - 4,820 KWh
€10,408
€2,100
15%
€6,950
6.09KWp (14 pannels)
5,429 KWh

These are average costs and can vary based on specific property characteristics and market fluctuations. For accurate estimation on pricing & SEAI grant and to take advantage of our exclusive discounts, fill out our solar calculator at Kirra Energy.

Two-Bedroom Terraced House: Solar Costs and Performance

Here is a detailed breakdowInvesting in a solar panel system for a typical two-bedroom terraced house can be both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Here are the details for 2-Bed Terraced House:n of the costs for different house sizes, which includes both the equipment and installation fees:

Cost to Homeowner: €4,990

This cost is after applying the SEAI grant of €1,600 and an additional 15% website discount from the original price of €7,579.

Solar Array Size: 2.61 kWp

The system consists of 6 x 435w panels, which is suitable for the majority of a south-facing roof.

Electricity Generation: 2,407 kWh / year

This is the estimated amount of electricity that the solar panels will generate annually, assuming a south-facing roof at a 30° angle.

Payback Period: Approximately 6-7 Years

Based on the average payback period for solar panels in Ireland, your investment will pay off in about 6-7 years, after which you will benefit from free electricity.

CO2 Saved: Approximately 1,045 kg / year

By switching to solar energy, you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This saving is equivalent to driving a car for 8,038 km or taking 1.3 flights from Dublin to New York.

Two/Three-Bedroom Terraced House: Solar Costs and Performance

For homeowners of a two or three-bedroom terraced house in Ireland, solar panels are a smart investment for cost savings and environmental benefits. The following are the specifics based on your home size:

Cost to Homeowner: €5,499

This is the final price after accounting for the SEAI grant of €1,825 and a 15% discount from the website, reducing it from the initial €8,265.

Solar Array Size: 3.48 kWp

The setup includes 8 x 435w panels, which is an optimal fit for a typical south-facing roof.

Electricity Generation: 3,029 kWh / year

The system is expected to generate this amount of electricity each year, assuming the panels are installed on a south-facing roof at a 30° angle.

Payback Period: Approximately 6 years

The investment in solar panels is expected to pay for itself in around 6 years, after which you will benefit from free electricity.

CO2 Saved: Approximately 1,175 kg / year

The CO2 savings are roughly equivalent to driving a car for 9,038 km or taking 1.45 flights from Dublin to New York.

Three-Bedroom Semi-Detached House: Solar Costs and Performance

For those living in a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Ireland, solar panels offer a sustainable way to reduce energy costs and contribute to environmental conservation. Here are the details for 3-Bed Semi-Detached House:

Cost to Homeowner: €5,900

After the SEAI grant of €2,100 and a 15% website discount, the cost is reduced from the original price of €8,539.

Solar Array Size: 4.35 kWp

This configuration includes 10 x 435w panels, which will typically cover a significant portion of a south-facing roof.

Electricity Generation: 3,782 kWh / year

The expected annual electricity generation for this solar panel system, assuming it’s installed on a south-facing roof at a 30° angle.

Payback Period: 5 years and 6 months

The investment in solar panels is expected to pay for itself in 5 years and 6 months, offering free electricity thereafter and acting like a bank account paying 13.4% in interest every year.

CO2 Saved: 1,305 kg / year

By switching to solar energy, you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This saving is equivalent to driving a car for 10,038 km or taking 1.6 flights from Dublin to New York.

Four-Bedroom Semi-Detached House: Solar Costs and Performance

A solar panel system for a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Ireland represents a significant step towards energy independence and environmental stability. Below are the specifics for a 4-Bed Semi-Detached House:

Cost to Homeowner: €5,900 or €6,450

The cost varies depending on the solar array size chosen. After the SEAI grant of €2,100 and a 15% website discount, the price is reduced from either €8,539 or €9,833.

Solar Array Size: 4.35 kWp or 5.22 kWp

You can choose between 10 x 435w panels or 12 x 435w panels, depending on your energy needs and roof space.

Electricity Generation: 3,728 kWh - 4,820 kWh / year

The range in electricity generation reflects the difference in solar array sizes, with the larger array producing more energy.

Payback Period: Approximately 5 years and 3 months

The solar panel system is expected to pay for itself in approximately 5 years and 3 months, offering free electricity thereafter. It will also pay 13.9% interest annually just like your bank account.

CO2 Saved: 1,600 kg / year

By switching to solar energy, you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This saving is equivalent to driving a car for 12,300 km or taking 1.95 flights from Dublin to New York.

Four-Bedroom Detached House: Solar Costs and Performance

Investing in solar panels for a four-bedroom detached house in Ireland is a significant step towards sustainable living and energy cost reduction. Here are the details for 4-Bed Detached House:

Cost to Homeowner: €6,950

This cost includes the SEAI grant of €2,100 and a 15% website discount from the original price of €10,408.

Solar Array Size: 6.09 kWp

The system comprises 14 x 435w panels, which is an ideal fit for the majority of a south-facing roof.

Electricity Generation: 5,429 kWh / year

This is the estimated amount of electricity that the solar panels will generate annually, assuming a south-facing roof at a 30° angle.

Payback Period: 5 years and 1 month

The solar panel system is expected to pay for itself in just over 5 years, offering free electricity thereafter. It’s comparable to a bank account yielding 14.6% interest annually.

CO2 Saved: 1,663 kg / year

By switching to solar energy, you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This saving is equivalent to driving a car for 12,792 km or taking 2 flights from Dublin to New York.

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What Other Returns Can You Expect from Installing Solar Panels?

Installing solar panels is not just about saving on electricity bills or taking advantage of grants and discounts. There are several other financial and environmental returns that come with investing in solar energy

Below are key benefits that extend beyond immediate cost savings:

Reduced Energy Bills

Every kilowatt-hour of electricity that your solar panels produce is a kilowatt-hour that you do not have to buy from your utility company. Over time, these savings can be huge, reducing your monthly electricity bills by up to 70%, depending on your system’s size and your household consumption.

Eco-Friendly Investment

Solar panels significantly reduce your carbon footprint. The average residential solar system offsets about 100 tons of CO2 over 20 years, which is equivalent to planting over 2,400 trees. This environmental return is a crucial part of the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

Feed-in Tariffs and Net Metering

Depending on your location, you may be eligible for feed-in tariffs or net metering programs. These programs allow you to sell excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid. Not only does this reduce your energy costs further, but it also turns your solar system into a source of income.

Long-Term Savings

Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more. Once the initial investment is recovered, your solar panels continue to provide virtually free electricity for many years. This equates to decades of utility savings, especially as electricity prices continue to rise.

Government Incentives (SEAI Grant)

In addition to direct financial savings, various government incentives can reduce the cost of solar installation. These incentives, such as tax credits or rebates, can provide additional financial relief during the purchase and installation phases.

installation solar panels

How Much Does Battery Storage Cost in 2024?

€,€€Integrating a battery storage system with your solar panels significantly enhances the utility of your installation, allowing you to store excess energy for later use.

Here is an overview of the costs associated with different battery storage options available from Kirra Energy in 2024:

  Battery Size (Including Inverter)  Cost
5kw Battery (Incl. hybrid Inverter if fitted on same day as solar system)€2,300 – no VAT
5kw Battery (hybrid Inverter extra €600) Fitted at later date .€3,290 – inc VAT
10kw Battery (Incl. hybrid Inverter if fitted on same day as solar system)€3,750 – no VAT
10kw Battery (hybrid Inverter extra €600) Fitted at later date .€5,000 – inc vat
Hot water (Eddi)€475 on day of solar install
Up grade to Hybrid invertor at time of install.€475 on day of solar install

 

Please note that these prices do not include VAT if bought with solar panels. If purchased separately, there is a 13.5% VAT charge plus a €300 callout charge for a second installation visit.

In addition to the battery storage, you might also consider the following options:

  • Hot Water (Eddi): For an extra €475, this device allows you to use solar energy to heat your water, enhancing the utility of your solar PV system.
  • Hybrid Inverter: For an additional €450, you can future-proof your system to easily integrate a battery later. This option is ideal if you are considering expanding your system’s capabilities in the future.

These additional features not only provide greater flexibility but also increase the overall efficiency and functionality of your solar energy system.

What Other Returns Can

How Do We Calculate the Solar System Size for Your Home?

Choosing the right solar system size is crucial for maximising efficiency and ensuring you meet your energy needs. At Kirra Energy, we follow a detailed process to calculate the optimal solar system size for your home. Here are the steps involved in our calculation process:

Step 1:
Determine Your Energy Usage

We start by reviewing your electricity bills to determine your average energy usage over the past year. This gives us a baseline for how much power your solar system needs to generate.

For example, if your home uses an average of 10,000 kWh per year, we use this figure to calculate the size of the solar system required.

Step 2:
Assess Solar Potential

Next, we evaluate the solar potential of your home, considering factors like roof size, orientation, shade, and local climate conditions. This helps determine how much solar power can be generated from your specific location.

Generally, a south-facing roof without shade in a region with high solar irradiance will generate more electricity than a shaded, north-facing roof.

Step 3:
Calculate System Size

Using your annual energy usage and the solar potential assessment, we calculate the size of the solar system needed to meet your energy demands. This calculation takes into account the efficiency of solar panels and potential production losses.

For example, for a home using 10,000 kWh per year, with high solar potential, a system size of around 7 kW might be recommended.

Step 4:
Consider Future Energy Needs

We also consider any future increases in energy consumption, such as adding an electric vehicle or a pool, to ensure the system we recommend will meet your future energy needs as well.

For example, if you plan to buy an electric car, we might recommend increasing the system size to accommodate the additional energy required for charging.

Step 5:
Review Financial Goals and Incentives

Finally, we review your financial goals and available solar incentives. This includes calculating the return on investment and payback period to ensure the solar system is financially viable for you.

If there are significant solar incentives available, a larger system might make financial sense even if it exceeds your current energy usage.

Ready to Switch to Solar? Contact Us Today!

Embrace the power of the sun with Kirra Energy. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process of switching to solar, from calculating the ideal solar system size for your home to understanding the costs and returns of your investment.

We’re committed to providing you with a sustainable, cost-effective energy solution that meets your unique needs. With our help, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save on energy bills, and enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy. 

Don’t wait to make a positive change. Contact us today and let’s take advantage of solar power together in 2024!

Your Queries, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in Ireland in 2024?

The cost of solar panels in Ireland varies depending on the system size and specifications. Typically, prices range from €7,579 for a 2.61 kWp system to €10,408 for a 6.09 kWp system. These prices are before any grants or discounts are applied.

What is the SEAI grant and how can it reduce the cost of solar panels?

The SEAI Solar Electricity Grant provides financial support to homeowners installing solar PV systems. The grant can cover a significant portion of the installation costs, up to €2,100 depending on the size of the system installed, thereby reducing the overall cost.

How does Kirra Energy assist with the SEAI grant application?

Kirra Energy provides comprehensive assistance with the SEAI grant application process. We ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted on time, maximising your chances of receiving the grant and reducing the upfront cost of your solar installation.

How long will it take to break even on my solar panel investment?

The payback period for solar panels in Ireland typically ranges from 7 to 10 years, depending on the size of the installation, the orientation of your roof, and the applicable grants and subsidies.

What additional costs should I consider when installing solar panels?

Additional costs may include possible structural modifications to your roof, electrical upgrades, and a second installation visit if a battery is added later. VAT may also apply if the battery system is not purchased together with the solar panels.

Does Kirra Energy offer any discounts on solar panel installations?

Yes, Kirra Energy offers an exclusive 15% discount on solar panel installations when booked through our website. This discount is applied to the pre-grant cost, enhancing affordability and providing significant savings alongside the SEAI grant.

Contact Us

At Kirra Energy, your satisfaction is our priority. Contact us today to start your journey towards a greener and more energy-efficient future!

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