Signing a solar PV contract is a significant financial commitment. A typical Irish household invests €8,000–€15,000 in a system they expect to own for 25+ years. Yet many homeowners sign contracts without understanding exactly what they’re buying, what warranties apply, and what happens if something goes wrong.
This solar PV quote checklist covers the 25 most important points to verify before signing any solar contract in Ireland.
Section 1: Installer Credentials (5 points)
1. Current SEAI registration confirmed Verify the installer is on the SEAI register of approved contractors at seai.ie — at the time of signing, not just at the time of initial contact. Registrations lapse.
2. RECI electrical contractor registration All electrical work (AC wiring, consumer unit connections) must be done by an RECI-registered contractor. If the solar company sub-contracts electrical work, confirm the sub-contractor is RECI-registered. Verify at reci.ie.
3. Company Companies Registration Office (CRO) check Look up the company at cro.ie. Confirm it is an active, registered company — not struck off, not dissolved, not dormant. Note how long it has been incorporated.
4. Insurance confirmation The installer should carry Public Liability Insurance (minimum €5 million) and Employer’s Liability Insurance. Ask to see the certificate of insurance.
5. Three verifiable references provided At least three customers with systems installed in the past 18 months, contactable by phone. Actually contact them — ask about installation quality, post-installation support, and system performance.
Section 2: System Technical Specifications (7 points)
6. Panel manufacturer and model clearly specified The quote should name the specific panel model (e.g., “Longi Hi-MO6 LR5-72HGD-440M”). Not just “440 W monocrystalline panels.”
7. Panel efficiency and technology stated Minimum 20% efficiency recommended. Technology stated (PERC, TOPCon, HJT).
8. Inverter manufacturer and model clearly specified “Fronius Primo 4.0-1” is acceptable. “4 kW European inverter” is not.
9. Power optimisers specified if applicable If optimisers are included, the model (e.g., “SolarEdge P500”) should be stated. If shading is present and optimisers are not included, ask why.
10. Mounting system brand and type specified Name brand (K2 Systems, Schletter, Esdec) and type (on-roof rail with specific roof hook type for your tile profile).
11. Generation meter included and model specified The SEAI grant requires a calibrated generation meter. Confirm it is included in the quote.
12. Total system capacity and panel count stated The total kWp, number of panels, and their configuration (strings, arrays) should all be stated clearly.
Section 3: Performance Projections (4 points)
13. Annual output estimate in kWh Ask for an annual kWh output estimate. The method of calculation should be stated (PVGIS, PVsyst, or similar — not “rule of thumb” estimate). Compare with your own PVGIS calculation at re.jrc.ec.europa.eu.
14. Self-consumption rate assumed What percentage of generated electricity is assumed to be self-consumed? Is this realistic for your household occupancy pattern?
15. Annual bill savings estimate methodology What electricity price is assumed? (Should be current, ~30 c/kWh blended in 2026.) What MSS export rate is assumed? Transparent inputs = trustworthy projection.
16. Shading analysis provided If shading is present, a shade analysis output should be provided showing annual shading losses. This should explicitly show whether optimisers or microinverters have been specified to address the shading.
Section 4: Warranties (4 points)
17. Panel product warranty term and basis How many years? Is the product warranty backed by the manufacturer (not just the installer)?
18. Panel performance warranty details What percentage at year 25? What is the guaranteed annual degradation rate? Is it 80% or better at year 25?
19. Inverter warranty term How many years standard? Is an extended warranty available and at what cost?
20. Installation workmanship warranty How many years does the installer’s own workmanship warranty run? Does it specifically cover roof waterproofing at penetration points?
Section 5: Grant and Grid Connection Process (3 points)
21. SEAI grant application handled Who applies for the SEAI grant — you or the installer? If the installer handles it, confirm they are applying for the correct grant amount before you sign.
22. ESB Networks NC6 notification responsibility Who submits the NC6 notification to ESB Networks? Confirm this is included in the quoted scope.
23. MSS registration assistance Will the installer help you register with your electricity supplier for the Microgeneration Support Scheme, or is this your responsibility?
Section 6: Commercial and Contractual Terms (6 points)
24. Payment schedule is reasonable A typical milestone-based payment schedule:
- Deposit at signing: 10–20% (no more than 30%)
- Stage payment on material delivery: optional but acceptable up to 30%
- Final payment on completion and commissioning: remaining balance
Never pay more than 50% before installation is physically underway.
25. Cancellation and cooling-off rights Under Irish consumer law, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for contracts signed away from business premises (i.e., at your home) — the salesperson should inform you of this right. Confirm the cancellation procedure and any applicable charges within this period.
Bonus Points: Red Flags Checklist
Beyond the 25 positive checks, watch for these red flags in any solar quote:
- All-in price without itemised breakdown
- “Limited time offer” pressure tactics
- Significantly below-market pricing (€6,000 for 4 kWp — ask what’s been cut)
- No physical address or office (only mobile number and email)
- Difficulty verifying SEAI registration
- Warranty terms that are vague or backed only by the Irish company (not the manufacturer)
- No shade analysis offered for an obviously shaded roof
- No generation meter in the quote
- Large upfront deposit (above 40%)
Before You Sign: Final Comparison Step
After gathering three quotes and checking all 25 points:
- Compare specifications like-for-like — same kWp, comparable panel quality, same inverter tier
- Calculate net cost after grant (subtract €1,800 SEAI grant from each)
- Compare annual output estimates against your own PVGIS calculation
- Weight quality indicators — installer history, warranty terms, reference quality — not just price
- Review the contract in full — payment terms, dispute resolution, applicable law
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value over a 25-year system lifetime. The best installer for your home is one who will still be trading in 2040 when you need a warranty claim handled.
Negotiation Tips
Solar pricing in Ireland has some flexibility, particularly for:
- System upgrades: “Can I get microinverters/optimisers included at a better rate if I sign this week?”
- Additional devices: “Can you include an immersion diverter (Eddi/Solar iBoost) as part of the package?”
- Extended warranties: “Can you include the extended inverter warranty at no additional cost?”
- References: “If you offer me a reference customer discount, I’m happy to recommend you to neighbours after installation”
What is rarely negotiable: the core system component cost (panels are a commodity) and labour (skilled trades have real cost floors).
