Solar & Heat Pump Cost Calculator Ireland

How this calculator works

This calculator builds an itemised cost estimate from real products in the De Energy Hub database — 13 solar panels, 15 inverters, 15 battery systems, 13 EV home chargers and 12 SEAI-eligible heat pumps, all confirmed available through Irish distributors and installers in 2026. Choose your hardware combination step by step and see the full cost breakdown with every applicable SEAI grant applied automatically.

Panel costs are calculated from the typical Irish market price per panel multiplied by the number of panels needed for your system size. Inverter costs reflect typical Irish installer supply prices. Labour costs are indicative — actual quotes vary by roof type, location and installer.

The SEAI Solar PV Home Grant is automatically applied for home installs on eligible panels: €900 per kWp, up to a maximum of 2 kWp covered (maximum grant €1,800). This grant must be applied for before installation begins. Your installer must be SEAI-registered.

How annual savings are calculated

Annual generation is estimated at 950 kWh per kWp per year — the Irish average based on Met Éireann solar irradiance data. A typical Irish home self-consumes approximately 70% of generated solar. The self-consumption saving is calculated at your chosen electricity rate (default €0.39/kWh). Exported surplus earns the Clean Export Premium (CEP) rate of €0.185/kWh under the SEAI Microgeneration Support Scheme.

Adding battery storage increases self-consumption by approximately 20 percentage points — from ~70% to ~90% — by storing afternoon surplus for evening use. The battery boost saving shown in results reflects this additional self-consumption, minus the reduced export earnings it replaces.

How the SEAI heat pump grant is calculated

The SEAI Heat Pump System Grant (updated 3 February 2026) covers up to three components for houses. The base Equipment Grant of €6,500 applies to all qualifying air-to-water installs. If radiators or pipework need upgrading, a Central Heating Upgrade Grant of €2,000 is added. And if you are switching from oil, gas, solid fuel, or electric storage heating, a Renewable Heat Bonus of €4,000 brings the maximum to €12,500 total.

The heat pump grant is entirely separate from the Solar PV grant — you can claim both in the same year. Browse all SEAI-eligible heat pumps in the Heat Pump Directory.

Business solar — why a separate calculator is needed

Commercial solar has a completely different financial profile to residential. The SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen scheme is competitive with no fixed grant amount per kWp. Businesses reclaim VAT at 23% on hardware and 13.5% on installation, and can use Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) to write down equipment costs against tax in year one. A dedicated Business Solar Calculator that models VAT reclaim, ACA and the competitive grant application process is planned for De Energy Hub — check back or use the Fleet EV Grant Calculator for fleet vehicle grants in the meantime.

Install cost estimates are indicative. Actual quotes from SEAI-registered installers will vary. Hardware prices reflect typical 2026 Irish market supply prices. Always verify SEAI grant eligibility at seai.ie before making purchasing decisions. Export rates are subject to supplier terms and may change. Data verified March–April 2026.