BUDGET & DESIGN
Solar quotes vary by array size, roof, inverter, battery, scaffolding and electrical work. Compare the specification first, then the headline price.
This rough screening estimate divides annual demand by assumed annual generation per kWp. It is not a design recommendation: your daytime usage, roof, orientation, exports and future electrification matter.
ENERGY-MATCHING SIZE, BEFORE USAGE PROFILE
5.3 kWpThis is a starting point, not an optimal size or a prediction of self-consumption.
4kWp, 6kWp or 8kWp? The sizing tool above matches total annual generation to demand as a rough screen. To understand why larger systems may export more and recover their extra cost more slowly, read the full system-size comparison with charts before approaching installers.
Inspect the PV panels and mounting structure, inverter, isolators and protection, installation labour, roof access/scaffolding, any consumer-unit upgrades, monitoring, design and commissioning. A battery, hybrid inverter and backup-power features are not interchangeable extras.
Ask installers to state whether the quoted price is before or after any SEAI grant, whether VAT is included and whether BER and electrical paperwork are included.
Divide the solar-only installed price by array size in kWp to get a basic €/kWp comparison. Do not use this to rank packages with batteries or different roof works included. Compare predicted yield per kWp, product models, warranties, workmanship cover, exclusions and final scope.
Compare equipment specifications and battery economics before choosing a package. For quote-specific analysis, use the solar quotation comparator. For cost recovery after tariffs and grants, use the full payback calculator.
Request at least four quotations, as recommended by SEAI. Review the complete Ireland solar guide and investigate installer references. The cheapest proposal is not automatically the most economical over the system's life.