Estimating the cost and returns from a solar panel system can be a complicated affair, changing depending on many factors about your home and location.
Our free, first-of-its-kind solar panel calculator has been created to let users know in seconds just how many solar panels they can fit on their roof, along with the estimated cost, output, and returns from that system.
The calculator can also tell you what the payback period will be for these solar panels, what your electricity bills will look like with them installed, and the lifetime earnings they will deliver for you.
Solar Panel Calculator Assumptions
While much of the data that goes into calculating the output of a solar PV system in our system is dependent on the user, there are some variables for which we have assumed values.
These are in order to have consistent answers for everyone, in line with the most common values for electricity and solar PV systems in Ireland.
Maintenance costs for your solar PV system are not included in the estimated costs and savings figures for its installation and lifetime output.
The calculator also uses current electricity costs applied to the entire lifespan of the solar system. These figures will change, possibly significantly, over the course of 25 to 30 years.
How Our Solar Panel Calculator Works
Our solar calculator has two levels of functionality, depending on where you live. In many urban areas of Ireland, we are able to estimate an optimal solar PV system for your home based on your roof.
Simply enter your Eircode into the calculator, and it will estimate the orientation, angle, and unshaded area on your roof.
Based on this data, the calculator will be able to:
After this, and for users outside of the area where your roof can be assessed, the savings calculator can provide far more detailed financial information.
By putting in your electricity bills, the number of solar panels you want, and when your home was built, our calculator can provide the following output, cost, and savings information.
The numbers provided by this calculator are an estimate, and for a truly accurate quote tailored to your home, you should consult with a solar installer.
How much does the average household in Ireland save with solar panels?
The average household in Ireland can save anywhere from €500 to €1,500 on its electricity bills each year with home solar panels.
Using our solar output calculator, you can see just how much different sized households can benefit from installing solar panels.
| Household Size | No. of Panels | Annual Savings |
| Small Terraced | 4 | €282 |
| Two-bed Terraced | 8 | €695 |
| 3-Bed Semi-Detached | 10 | €889 |
| 4-Bed Detached | 12 | €1,104 |
| 6-Bed Detached | 16 | €1,554 |
Actual savings will vary from household to household based on how much electricity they use and at what time during the day. This is particularly true of homes with smart electricity tariffs.
Factors that Can Affect Your Savings from Solar Panels
How much you specifically will be able to save on your electricity bills will depend on a number of factors, besides how many solar panels you install.
Solar Panel Grant Eligibility
The SEAI solar PV grant can knock up to €1,800 off the cost of solar panels for your home. This makes it an essential part of the majority of home solar projects, and is available for the majority of homes.
