Solar Panels in Northern Ireland: Grants, Costs & Benefits (2025)

Solar panels are a great source of renewable energy, harnessing the limitless potential of the sun and generating endless free energy after your investment is recouped. 

Northern Ireland receives up to 1,600 hours of sunlight a year, making solar energy a perfect choice for powering your home with solar panels. Similar to the English Midlands, solar PV installation in Northern Ireland has multiplied in the last few years. In 2020,  29% of all electricity generated in Northern Ireland was from renewable sources. With 0% VAT on solar panels and a grant for 20% cost coverage by NISEP, there’s never been a better time to get a solar system in Northern Ireland. 

This complete guide by GreenMatch will highlight everything you need to know about getting a solar system in Northern Ireland, including costs, pros and cons of solar energy, and how many solar panels you need to meet your home’s energy requirements. 

Ready to enjoy limitless solar energy? Save yourself time and money by working with GreenMatch. By filling out our simple 30-second online form, you’ll receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of pre-vetted professionals at no costs or obligations. Simply click below to begin!  

Solar panels in Northern Ireland can comfortably generate enough energy from the sun to power a home. In simple terms, solar roof tiles or PV panels installed on your rooftop generate energy, which is then converted from direct electricity (DC) to alternating electricity (AC) using a solar inverter. The outgoing energy is then used to power your home and appliances.  

Any surplus energy your solar system produces can be stored using a solar battery, giving you further energy security at the risk of power outages. Good to note that the best solar batteries will cost a pretty penny. Alternatively, some Northern Irish energy suppliers may have export tariffs in place, allowing you to sell back surplus energy to them via the national grid. You can contact your energy provider to learn more about this.   

A common misconception about solar panels is that they need direct sunlight to generate energy. This is untrue, as solar panels are still exposed to UV rays even when it’s overcast, thus generating energy, but at a lower efficiency point. 

With up to 1,600 sunlight hours a year, a 3kW - 4kW solar system can comfortably meet the energy needs of a medium-sized home through solar energy in Northern Ireland. For example, solar panels in Scotland are exposed to just around 1,300 sunlight hours and are still capable of meeting basic home energy needs. 

To ensure you get the best fit for your needs, consult a professional solar expert for a tailored solution. 

You’ve probably wondered; are solar panels worth it in cloudy Northern Ireland? Simply put, yes! Solar panels are a worthy investment in Northern Ireland, as they are throughout the UK and Europe at large. A 2025 study by the Resolution Foundation found that solar panels can slash energy bills by up to a quarter, translating to around £783 for a medium-sized home in Northern Ireland and up to £1,567 for larger homes.

In addition, there’s currently a 0% VAT on solar panels, and the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) provides a 20% cost coverage for sustainable energy systems through grants. These incentives can save you more than £1,000 on installation costs alone.

In terms of performance, solar systems can still generate energy through indirect sunlight but with a reduced efficiency of around 10 - 25% of normal output. This means your solar system can still generate energy on overcast days and even through winter, making it a highly worthy investment for your home.

Solar panel prices in Northern Ireland can sit anywhere between £3,800 - £12,200, based on the price averages for 2kW to 6kW solar systems. The final solar panel cost will depend on several factors, such as your monthly energy consumption, solar system output, size, and whether you’d like extra elements like battery storage. 

Here’s a full summary of a solar panel price in Northern Ireland based on home size and energy output:

As can be seen, the type of solar panels you opt for can greatly influence your final costs and the amount of energy your solar system can produce. Your location can also play a role in your costs, for example, solar panels in Wales may cost differently to install than those in Northern Ireland.

Using Northern Ireland solar panel grants like NISEP for a 20% cost coverage, in addition to a 0% VAT on solar systems, can help make your initial investment more manageable. If you’re planning to store surplus solar energy, you’ll need a solar battery. A solar battery cost ranges between £2,500 - £7,500 for 3 - 6 kW solar systems, which can further increase your investment. 

To get a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay, you can use our solar panel calculator tool. For the most cost-effective approach, working with a solar professional can help tailor the best course of action for your needs. However, finding the right professional can take endless hours of research and vetting. That’s where GreenMatch comes in.

Fill out our simple 30-second intake form, and receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of accredited professionals. Click below to begin, and let the bargains come to you!

Solar systems are most impressive due to their ability to generate staggering savings. In Northern Ireland, you can expect to save between £783 to £1,567 on annual energy bills, depending on the energy output size of the solar system you opt for. 

In addition, it takes only around 6 to reimburse your costs with a medium-sized solar system. Once your initial costs are met, solar panels keep providing free unlimited energy harnessed from the sun, making them truly renewable. 

Here’s a breakdown of the facts and figures when it comes to savings with solar panels in Northern Ireland, including your ROI and break-even points:

An average solar system lasts about 25 years before needing any significant repairs or replacements. This means most solar systems will keep generating free energy for your household long after the break-even point has been met.

Considering everything, solar panels stand out as an investment with a wealth of advantages. They have a low negative impact on the environment and a high positive impact on your savings. What’s more, grants by NISEP and a 0% VAT make this one of the best times to invest in solar panels in Northern Ireland.

Here’s a look at some of the key advantages you can enjoy with solar panels:

With all these benefits in mind, it’s just as important to be mindful of some drawbacks you may face with solar panels in Northern Ireland. Here’s a look at the key points to consider:

After weighing the pros and cons, solar panels still emerge as a fantastic investment for energy security in Northern Ireland. Working with accredited solar panel installers in Northern Ireland can help ensure you get the best deal for your money. However, most prospective customers find themselves stuck in an endless bout of phone calls and websites with no bargain in sight.

With GreenMatch, you can leave the research and vetting to us. Simply fill out our 30-second online form, and we’ll connect you with up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from professionals in your area. No costs, no obligations. Simply click below to begin!

Installing solar panels in Northern Ireland is straightforward and follows the same processes as anywhere else. While planning permission is not required, it's best to consult with your local planning authority or professional installer to make sure your solar panels follow roofing guidelines.

The process of installing a solar system in Northern Ireland should always be carried out by a certified and experienced professional. Here’s an overview of what the installation process typically involves:

Solar panels in Northern Ireland can provide you with a long-term sustainable energy solution, freeing you from fuel insecurity and helping promote a healthier planet. They help slash your energy bills dramatically and are more affordable than ever with a 0% VAT and potential cost support via the NISEP scheme for businesses.

If you’re considering investing in some solar panels, it’s important to obtain multiple quotes to choose the right installer. However, navigating the endless sea of professionals can have you spending countless hours researching and vetting your options. You may encounter national firms, regional businesses, and local installers, all of which may have different solar panel quotes, structures, advantages, and disadvantages. That’s where GreenMatch UK can help.

By filling out our 30-second online form, you can effortlessly gain access to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our competitively priced network of accredited installers. Our services come with no costs or obligations and can deliver the best value for your investment. Click below to begin!