Solar panels in Northern Ireland guide

Northern Ireland has been integrating solar panels into its renewables mix for over a decade, with its total capacity increasing from 2 megawatts (MW) in 2011 to 352MW in 2022. 

Domestic solar installations in the  UK rose by more than 30 per cent in 2023, as homeowners increasingly see the benefits in reducing their reliance on the grid, cutting their energy bills, and contributing to greener energy habits. 

This guide explores solar panels in Northern Ireland, their benefits, the availability of funding and grants, the installation process and more.

Statistics revealed Northern Ireland’s massive progress towards reducing reliance on gas and fossil fuels and boosting its renewable energy infrastructure: 

• Between April 2023 and March 2024, 45.4 per cent of the total electricity consumed in Northern Ireland was from renewables.
• The consumption during this period amounted to 7,267 gigawatt hours (GWh), of which 3,302 GWh was derived from domestic renewable sources.

With their decreasing costs and increasing efficiency, solar panels will play an instrumental role in helping domestic homeowners switch to renewable energy.

Solar panels are a fundamentally renewable energy resource. Once installed, solar arrays produce no emissions whatsoever and enable homeowners to generate their own power. 

• While an initial investment is associated with solar panel installation, the savings on monthly electricity bills can be substantial. According to our calculator, a 3-bedroom home in Northern Ireland, with a 4.5 kilowatt (kW) system (including a batter), could save £838 a year. That means the solar panels would pay for themselves in just over 11 years.  
• You don’t need to pay VAT on solar panels in Northern Ireland
• Energy prices can be volatile. By producing your electricity, you can insulate yourself from unexpected price surges, leading to more predictable monthly bills.
• Modern solar systems can function for 20 to 30 years with minimal repairs or replacements.
• If you live in rural Northern Ireland, and have unreliable power,  solar panels give you the ability to produce your own energy and reduce your dependence on the traditional electrical grid. 
• Draw from your solar system during more expensive on-peak hours, and you’ll save even more money. Peak shaving enables solar energy users to moderate their energy usage throughout the day to draw from the grid when it’s cheapest to do so.

There are currently no traditional, large-scale solar panel grants in Northern Ireland – a similar situation to England, Wales and Scotland.

However, there are multiple routes to alleviate the expenses and make the transition to solar energy more affordable:

Local advice and community schemes 

Firstly, it’s recommended to reach out to local experts and organisations, as incentives and schemes change every year and vary regionally:

• NI Energy Advice and Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE): Both entities are excellent starting points for gathering information about potential funding, discounts, or community schemes available in specific local areas of NI.

0 per cent VAT on solar panel installations

• Eligibility: Available to all domestic solar panel installations in Northern Ireland.
• Details: Northern Ireland has rolled out VAT reductions for solar panel installations to promote the adoption of energy-efficient systems. Since 1 May 2023, the VAT for solar panel systems in Northern Ireland is 0 per cent, resulting in direct cost savings dependent on the overall cost of the installation.

Barclays Greener Home Reward

• Eligibility: This scheme is tailored for Barclays residential mortgage holders who pay by direct debit. The solar installation work needs to be performed by a TrustMark-registered business or tradesperson.
• Benefits: If you’re a Barclays mortgage holder and have fully financed a solar panel system, you could be eligible for a £1,000 cashback reward through this scheme.

Installing solar panels in Northern Ireland is an environmentally responsible decision and a significant investment.

When choosing a solar system for Northern Ireland, the installer should survey the site and/or roof to gauge sunlight exposure and shading throughout the day. They’ll also consider factors such as wind and potential damage or obstruction from falling leaves and foliage. 

If you live somewhere with persistent shade, then you might be better off investing in a microinverter system that can optimise individual panels based on their sunlight exposure throughout the day. Microinverters enable each panel to be optimised individually rather than the whole string of panels, as with string inverters. 

Installation process

• Initial assessment and site evaluation: A comprehensive property assessment is essential before any installation begins. This helps determine the best placement for the panels, considering roof orientation, potential obstructions and roof strength.
• System design: After the initial evaluation, a system is designed to cater to specific energy requirements. There are different types of solar systems, for instance grid-tied (no batteries), hybrid/back-up (feature batteries and are attached to the grid) and off-grid (not attached to the grid). 
• Materials procurement: With a design in place, the necessary components like solar panels, inverters, batteries and mounting systems are selected. 
• Installation: Trained professionals then install the system. They’ll ensure each component is securely in place, properly connected and functioning optimally.
• Timeline: The duration of the installation process usually takes a single day, assuming all components are ready to go and minimal roof modifications are required. If the roof has to be modified or extended, then it could take several days. 

Regulations and permissions

• Planning permission: In many cases, solar panel installations fall under ‘permitted development’ in Northern Ireland, meaning you don’t always need planning permission. However, there are exceptions, especially for listed buildings or conservation areas. It’s always best to check with your local council.
• Building regulations: Even if planning permission isn’t required, building regulations must be followed. This ensures the installation is safe and doesn’t adversely affect the integrity of your building.
• Engineering Recommendation EREC G98/NI standard: Solar installations in Northern Ireland must meet the EREC G98/NI standard. After the system is installed and brought online, the installer will register it with NIE Networks to confirm that it’s connected to the grid.

Choosing an installer

• Accreditations: Opt for an installer accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This ensures they meet set standards and are qualified for the job.
• Experience and reviews: Look into the installer’s past projects and read reviews from other customers. This gives a clear picture of their expertise and reliability.
• Warranty and after-sales service: A good installer offers installation warranties and robust after-sales support. 

With rising energy prices, the financial appeal of domestic solar power is increasing. 

While solar systems require an upfront investment, they pay for themselves over time, offering potentially massive savings over a 20-year period or longer. 

Most typical domestic systems can pay for themselves between five and 10 years.

Upfront costs

Solar panels and the required mounting systems, inverters, and other necessary equipment come with an upfront cost. 

This initial investment varies based on the size of the system (measured in kW), the brand, and the technology used in the panels. 

Depending on various factors, the cost of solar installation for a domestic property can range between £5,200 and  £8,000 (including installation costs).

How long will it take to see financial savings?

How quickly your solar panels start paying for themselves depends on the size of your system, and whether you have a battery. Below are our calculations for Northern Ireland (including a solar battery):

Financing options

For those wishing to spread the cost of solar panels or even lease them, there are a few options:

• Green energy loans: These are specialised loans with lower interest rates aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption. One example is Lendology’s renewables loan. These loans sometimes require a “title restriction”, meaning you’ll have to settle the loan from the proceeds of the sale of your property if the loan balance is still outstanding when you sell.
• Hire purchase agreements: Spread the cost of a solar system over a set period with the possibility of owning the system outright at the end.
• Provider-specific deals: Some solar providers offer their own deals and financing options. 

Regular maintenance and consistent performance monitoring are crucial to maximise the lifespan and efficiency of any solar panel system.

Regular maintenance

Solar panels are relatively low maintenance, but they’ll invariably last longer if they’re well-maintained. 

• Cleaning: Depending on your location and the surrounding environment, dust and debris can accumulate on the panels. Regular cleaning, usually once or twice a year, can improve efficiency.
• Physical inspections: Periodically checking for any physical damages, rust spots, wear and tear, or issues with mounting equipment is advisable. This helps catch potential problems early.

Performance monitoring

Modern solar systems offer monitoring tools, allowing homeowners to track their system’s performance in real-time.

• Efficiency tracking: Solar panels may degrade over time and produce slightly less power. Additionally, accumulations of dirt, dust and other debris can affect their efficiency. Monitoring tools help you track this efficiency and assess whether the panels are performing as they should. 
• Issue detection: Any significant drop in performance can indicate issues. With monitoring tools, you can detect and address these problems promptly, ensuring minimal disruptions and maximising the return on your investment.

With proper maintenance and monitoring, a solar system can serve you efficiently for many years. 

The panels are among the most long-lasting components, whereas inverters are comparatively short-lived and must be replaced every 7 to 12 years for string inverters, or longer in the case of microinverters.

Installing solar panels in Northern Ireland is a proactive step towards reducing carbon emissions and bolstering environmental sustainability. 

The savings can be significant, with many solar systems paying for themselves in just seven years. Moreover, harnessing solar energy gives homes and businesses greater energy autonomy, reducing reliance on traditional electrical grids.

While Northern Ireland, like the rest of the UK, may not have extensive grants specifically tailored for solar installations, there are incentives that indirectly reduce the financial burden of setting up these systems, such as VAT reductions.

Before diving into the installation process, consider costs and potential savings, the need for site evaluations to determine the best panel placement, local regulations and choosing accredited and experienced solar panel installers.