Solar thermal panels heat water using energy from the sun, reducing the amount of gas or electricity your boiler uses for hot water. In Irish conditions, a well-installed solar thermal system can provide 50 to 60% of your annual hot water needs.
The SEAI Solar Water Heating grant provides up to €1,200 toward the cost of a solar thermal installation in an eligible home. Murphy's Plumbing manages the application process and installs systems that meet SEAI technical specifications.
Solar thermal is not the same as solar PV (which generates electricity). Solar thermal specifically heats water and is more efficient for that purpose in Irish conditions.
How it works
- 1
Assessment and grant check
Conor assesses the roof orientation and existing hot water system. He confirms whether the property qualifies for the SEAI grant and what cylinder upgrade, if any, is needed.
- 2
Installation
Panels are roof-mounted facing south or south-west for maximum output. Pipework is run to the hot water cylinder. A pump station and controller are fitted to manage the solar circuit automatically.
- 3
Commissioning and handover
The system is filled, tested, and the controller is programmed. You receive instructions on monitoring performance and the SEAI documentation is submitted.
Frequently asked questions
- Does solar water heating work in Ireland?
- Yes. Ireland receives enough solar radiation for solar thermal panels to be effective, though output is lower than in southern Europe. A properly sized system typically provides 50 to 60% of annual domestic hot water demand.
- How much does solar water heating cost in Meath?
- A complete solar water heating system costs €4,500 to €6,000 installed, depending on panel size and whether a new cylinder is needed. The SEAI grant of up to €1,200 reduces this significantly.
- What does the SEAI solar water heating grant cover?
- The SEAI Solar Water Heating grant provides up to €1,200 for a qualifying installation. The home must have been built before 2021. The installer must be SEAI registered, which Conor is.
- Can solar panels be installed on any roof?
- Most roofs work, but south or south-west facing at a pitch between 20 and 60 degrees is ideal. East and west facing roofs are also viable with slightly reduced output. Flat roofs require a tilt frame. Conor will assess the roof and confirm viability before quoting.
- Do I still need a boiler with solar water heating?
- Yes. Solar thermal supplements your boiler, it does not replace it. On overcast days and through winter you will still need your boiler for top-up heating. The solar circuit reduces how often the boiler fires for hot water.