How Many Solar Panels Does My Home Need in Ireland?

Solar power is becoming one of the fastest-growing energy solutions in Ireland , and for good reason. It’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and helps protect you from rising electricity bills and when it comes to installing a solar PV system, one of the first questions homeowners ask is...

“How many solar panels does my house actually need?”

The answer isn’t the same for everyone, it depends on your roof, your energy use, and your budget. In this blog, we’ll break down..

Table of Contents

• Key factors that determine how many solar panels you need
• How to calculate the number of panels for your home
• What size panels are best in Ireland
• The future of solar energy in Ireland
• How to access solar grants

Did you know? Most Irish homes need 10–16 panels, depending on roof space and usage.

Factors That Affect the Number of Solar Panels You Need

Every household is unique, but these are the main things that influence your solar panel system size...

1.Daily Energy Consumption

Your energy bills will show how much electricity your home uses each day. The higher your usage, the more panels you’ll need to cover your needs.

2.Roof Orientation & Angle

South-facing roofs are ideal in Ireland because they capture the most daylight. But don’t worry, if your roof faces east or west, panels can still generate plenty of energy with the right setup.

3.Roof Size & Shape

The space on your roof limits how many panels you can fit. A larger roof allows for more panels and higher overall energy output.

4.Panel Efficiency

Not all panels are created equal. Higher-efficiency panels produce more energy per square metre, which is handy if you have limited roof space.

5.Panel Wattage

Most panels range from 250W to 550W. A higher-wattage panel will produce more electricity, meaning you’ll need fewer panels to hit your target.

6.Irish Climate

Yes, solar works in Ireland, even on cloudy days. Panels generate energy from daylight, not just direct sunshine. Still, Ireland’s average sunlight hours (1,200–1,400 hours per year depending on the county) play a role in how much energy you can generate.

How to Calculate How Many Solar Panels You Need

A simple way to estimate:

Daily Energy Usage (kWh) ÷ (Panel Wattage ÷ 1000) ÷ Average Sunlight Hours = Approx. Number of Panels

For Example..
A 3-bedroom house in Dublin using 20 kWh per day

with access to 1,300 hours of sunlight per year.

• One 550W panel produces about 2.2 kWh/day.
• To meet 20 kWh/day, you’d need around 9–10 panels.

Of course, this is only an estimate. An expert site survey will give you the most accurate recommendation for your home.

What Size Solar Panels Do I Need in Ireland?

Most Irish homes install between 10–16 panels, depending on budget, roof space, and energy use. Higher-wattage, high-efficiency panels are popular because they maximise output on smaller roofs.

At New Energy, we also offer a unique advantage, we can show you what solar will look like on your roof before you buy. That way, you’ll know exactly how panels will fit, look, and perform.

Solar Grants Available in Ireland

The SEAI Solar PV Grant offers up to €1,800 off the cost of solar panels for homeowners in Ireland. This makes solar more affordable and helps reduce payback times. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from application to installation, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.

The Future of Solar in Ireland

Solar isn’t just a trend, it’s here to stay. With energy prices rising, government support, and falling solar costs, more families are investing in solar every year. Choosing a family-owned Irish company like New Energy means you get honest advice, clean installs, and ongoing support long after the panels go up.

Ready to See Solar on Your Roof?

Every home is different, but one thing is certain. Solar is one of the smartest investments Irish families can make. Request your personalised solar roof preview today. At New Energy, we’ll help you find the perfect solar solution for your home one that saves you money and keeps Ireland greener.