How to Compare Solar Installers and Quotes

Start with the contracting company

For an SEAI grant-supported domestic installation, the company named on your contract must be on SEAI's current Solar PV company register. That company is responsible for the homeowner contract and for arranging an SEAI-registered installer to complete and declare the work.

Registration is an important scheme requirement, but it is not a guarantee of quality or suitability. SEAI states that it does not approve, guarantee or warranty a company, installer or their work. Check the current register yourself, then carry out normal consumer checks.

Make every quote describe the same system

A headline total is hard to compare if the proposals use different capacity, equipment or exclusions. Put each quotation into the same headings:

• Solar array capacity in kWp and number and wattage of panels
• Panel manufacturer and exact model
• Inverter manufacturer, model and capacity
• Optional battery usable capacity and output power
• Mounting, scaffolding and roof works
• Electrical upgrades and cable route
• Monitoring and homeowner handover
• Post-works BER and grant paperwork
• NC6 or other grid-connection work
• Total price, grant treatment, VAT and exclusions

If one proposal is larger, ask for its expected extra annual kWh and how much is likely to be used or exported. Read How many solar panels do I need? before treating more panels as automatically better.

Interrogate the generation estimate

Ask for expected annual generation in kWh, not a vague percentage saving. The quote should state orientation, pitch, shading, system losses and the method used. It should separate generation from household savings: the system may produce a kWh that is exported rather than used in the home.

Payback should use current, stated electricity and export rates and a realistic self-consumption assumption. It should not imply that future energy prices, weather or household use are certain. Use the solar value guide to test the logic.

Compare the full cost

Check the amount before and after the expected grant and who carries the risk if the application is delayed or refused. The 2026 grant is up to €1,800 for an eligible system, but approval must be in place before work starts. Review the grant process and current cost benchmarks.

Ask whether scaffolding, electrical remedial work, monitoring, BER, travel, access equipment and disposal are included. If a battery or diverter is optional, show it as a separate line. Confirm the payment schedule and avoid an unclear request for most of the contract value before equipment or work is provided.

Read warranties, not just durations

A system can carry separate warranties for panels, panel performance, inverter, battery, mounting and installation work. Record who provides each warranty, what it covers, exclusions, labour or call-out costs, transfer conditions and the process if the installing company stops trading. A long number alone says little about how a claim works.

Check experience and service

Ask for recent examples of similar roof types and permission to speak with previous customers. Look for consistent company details across the quote, SEAI register, website and contract. Ask who handles design, roof work, electrical work, commissioning and aftercare, including expected response times if monitoring shows a fault.

Contract and paperwork checklist

SEAI strongly advises having a written contract. It should identify the parties, scope, equipment, price, payment stages, dates or reasonable timing, cancellation terms, warranties, responsibilities and complaint route.

For grant work, keep the quotation, contract, grant approval, invoice, Declaration of Works, inspection and commissioning records, Safe Electric certificate, NC6, BER and safety file. Confirm the installer will submit the required documents promptly.

Planning and grid checks

Most rooftop systems on houses can be exempt from planning permission, subject to conditions. Protected structures, Architectural Conservation Areas, wall-mounted panels and unusual installations can need further checks. Ask the local planning authority where the exemption is uncertain.

The installer normally submits the microgeneration connection notification. CRU says NC6 applies below 6kW on single-phase supply or 11kW on three-phase supply, with NC7 used above those thresholds up to 50kW. Make the connection route part of the proposal.

How Upgrade My Home handles an enquiry

Upgrade My Home reviews each enquiry and may identify a small number of participating installers based on the homeowner’s requirements and the services and coverage those businesses provide. Where relevant introductions are available, the enquiry and contact details may be shared with those selected installers so they can respond. We do not distribute enquiries to a general list of contractors.

Upgrade My Home may in future receive payment from participating businesses for introductions or participation in the service. Commercial arrangements do not remove your responsibility to compare the installer, quotation and contract. Read How It Works for the current curated matching process.

Before you choose

Take enough time to align the scope, test the generation assumptions and read the contract. If two quotes cannot be compared, ask both companies to restate them against the same checklist. Visit the Solar Panels hub for more preparation or use Compare Solar Quotes when you are ready to describe your solar enquiry.