Bills on a wooden table

Solar Panels Planning Permission Ireland's Planning Permission rules for Domestic Solar Panels including the October 2022 rule change.

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Size of solar panel array allowed

The installation of solar panels on domestic properties is exempt from planning permission. Since the 7th of October 2022, there is no longer a limit to the area of solar panels which can be installed on rooftops of homes, anywhere in the country. Solar installations will be able to cover the entire roof of a house. The 12m2 or 50% roof limit which previously applied to houses has been removed nationwide.

There are some rules around protected buildings though. You may need to check if you need planning permission if:

  • Your home is a protected structure

  • Your home is located in a protected area, for example, an architectural conservation area

  • If your house lies within a solar safeguarding zone - solar safeguarding zones are necessary to address aviation safety concerns due to the potential impact of glint and glare arising from increased solar developments in proximity to sites such as airports and hospitals which have helipads. Anyone seeking to avail of larger rooftop solar installations within solar safeguarding zones can apply for planning permission through the relevant local planning authority.

Positioning on the roof

There are rules for how close to the edge of your roof solar panels are allowed. Effectively you need to leave a margin around the edge of your roof.

  • Bottom edge of roof: 50cm space

  • Top of roof: 25cm space to ridge line

  • Side edges of roof: 50cm space (where it's the open end of the roof, ie. not adjoining another property)

  • To adjoining property: no space required. If you are mid-terrace / semi detached, you can go right up to the adjoining wall.

Free standing solar panels

The above is assuming the solar panels are on your roof. The rules are slightly different for free-standing panels (i.e. those mounted on a frame on the ground.)

You do not need planning permission for free standing solar panels as long as:

  • the solar panels are less than 2 metres above ground

  • the private open space to the rear or side of the house is not reduced to less than 25 square metres

More Information

As always please do check planning permission yourself. We are not planning experts and there'll be other cases we don't know about. You can find out more information here:

Information on New Solar Panel Planning Permission rules on Gov.ie

Citizens Information website on planning permission rules.

Official current planning permission rules for solar panels on IrishStatusBook.ie

PureVolt Solar Reviews

Terry StoreyNovember 2023
Professional, friendly, organised and very tidyThe PureVolt team have been a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. They were professional, friendly, organised and very tidy. We have no hesitation in recommending this company to anyone.
Reviewed on Google
Paul DoyleNovember 2023
Each member of staff I dealt was fantasticI did a lot of research and spoke to many Solar installers before settling on Purevolt. I found them not only knowledgeable but willing to discuss any concerns and ideas that I had. At no point did I find them trying to oversell what I didn't need. Their prices are very competitive and they show clear indicative examples on their site, which I think is very open. You have a fair idea of what you are getting into with them before even making contact. From the outset, each member of staff I dealt was fantastic. Their site visit was the most thorough of them all. Checking the roof, the attic where I was siting the equipment, the main fuse board and even where the earth was situated in the hotpress. This resulted in no surprises at installation. After sales service has been excellent, including a follow up visit from a technician to go through any queries I had and to verify all had been done correctly. Based on my experience there is nothing I could find fault with the company and I plan to recommend them highly if anyone asks (my first is already talking to them). As to the actual result from the installation, very pleased with the outcome so far. Even at this time of year my bills have been halved and will only improve as I get the system setup to my liking. As a user I get access and control over the system, enabling me to tweak and adjust as I need. You don't have to do this, I just like to :)
Reviewed on Google
sean meagherNovember 2023
The quality of the install was perfectI would highly recommend the Pure Volt team. Great customer service, very knowledgeable and helpful. The communications from the roofers and electricians during the install were excellent and the installation as a whole was completed on time and the quality of the install was perfect, very neat and tidy. The panels are in 4 months now and are performing even better than expected.
Reviewed on Google
Barak PearlmutterNovember 2023
10/10, would recommendWe got bids from a bunch of installers, PureVolt was best on all dimensions including price. The install was seamless. 10/10, would recommend.
Reviewed on Google
Philip LeeOctober 2023
Great workmanship, neat, quick and professional.Great workmanship, neat, quick and professional. 4Kw system is working perfectly and has made 3Kw since March 2023 installation.
Reviewed on Google
Iska EuropeOctober 2023
Excellent company to deal with from start to finishPureVolt Solar is an excellent company to deal with from start to finish. Following comprehensive discussion, the installation is professional and with minimal disruption. They also see to relevant paperwork, including SEAI grants. Also, our installation was subject to a random check by SEAI, who found every aspect was excellent. John, Westmeath.
Reviewed on Google
Anthony CondonOctober 2023
Very Good ServiceVery Good Service
Reviewed on Google
M HSeptember 2023
I was left with a professional and tidy installation.I started making enquiries to Solar installation companies in the autum of 2022. Most companies didnt bother to respond, some did but soon lost interest when they realised I had done my research and didnt want to just go with "what everyone else does" (whatever that means). PureVolt were the ONLY company that bothered to do a site visit and discuss what my requirements were and if they were feasable. Anything that was not possible was worked around with suggestions that were explained to me with no sales pressure to "Sign today for a special discount". As it turned out, they were wone of the more better priced quotes unlike some of the gougers out there. My install date had to be pushed back a few times due to supply issues (everyone wanted solar in Autum 2022), but i was kept well informed by John each time. Not once did i have to chase for an update. The guys who came to do the installation were complete proffesionals! They discussed everything with be before they started. I wanted cables routing in a certan way to a specific place and Ian the electrician explained where he could and could not do what i was asking and provided reasons why. The placement of panels on the roof was a tricky one (which is why many companies went silent upon seeing a photo of the house) but the lads stuck at it and I was left with a professional and tidy installation. (I think i called Ian the electrician "an artist"). After a month or so, I started getting error messages on the inverter. I contacted PureVolt and they raised a ticket with the support team for the inverter. After the support team checking the inverter remotely a few times, PureVolt organised a replacement inverter and came to fit it. I think after sales support is sometimes overlooked by people comparing prices only. Many companies install, take your money and you never hear from them again when there is a problem. I am confident that 9 months on, I could contact PureVolt and receive support. Highly recommended!
Reviewed on Google
kevin donovanSeptember 2023
I have highly recommend PureVolt to anyoneVery happy. I have highly recommend PureVolt to anyone that enquired about our Solar system.
Reviewed on Google
Dan CatanaseSeptember 2023
I would choose them again.My system was installed approximately one year ago. My overall experience with PureVolt Solar has been extremely positive. From the initial contact, site survey to customising the technical solution to suit my particular case and needs, I must say they were very responsive to all my questions, prompt in addressing any concerns, quick and tidy installation and great after sales customer experience. If I were to install another system I would choose them again.
Reviewed on Google
Charles McCarthySeptember 2023
Very neat workVery pleased no messing very neat work no cleaning up afterwards
Reviewed on Google
Catalin CucuSeptember 2023
Reviewed on Google
Eamonn EverardSeptember 2023
Good efficient serviceGood efficient service
Reviewed on Google
Paweł PomianekSeptember 2023
All goodAll good
Reviewed on Google
Michael FarragherAugust 2023
A pleasure to deal withInstalled 21 panels in Feb 2023 which have operated successfully todate. Their responsiveness and knowledge when compiling the quote to proccessing the paperwork required resulting in a efficient install in 2 days, has resulted in PureVolt Ltd being a pleasure to deal with and who l would return to again.
Reviewed on Google
Enda DonnellanAugust 2023
Top company.Top company..Any issues are always solved
Reviewed on Google
Martin TreacyAugust 2023
I can see results alreadyI found pure volt solar to be very professional and great to deal with. I can see results already, very pleased so far.
Reviewed on Google
Enda and Helene DooleyJuly 2023
...superior to competitors.From the outset our experience with PureVolt has been positive. We had a rapid response to our initial enquiry and the specification and costing was superior to competitors. The estimated time to complete the project was accurate. At all times our queries were answered rapidly. The on-site work was completed within two days and the team left the site tidier than before arrival (not everyone will hoover a tarmacadam drive!). Early days yet but the system is operating to our satisfaction. We would be very happy to work with PureVolt again.
Reviewed on Google
Seamus MorrisseyJune 2023
Easy to deal with and had great advice, no hard sellTop class from beginning to end, John was easy to deal with and had great advice, no hard sell, roofers and electricians top class and Kelly sorted out the paperwork with great effeciency, highly recommend Purevolt.
Reviewed on Google
adrian barryJune 2023
PureVolt going the extra mile for my tricky roof!I had a complicated setup and the very quickly found me a good solution and made sure it was at the most competitive price it could be. The installation was done very well, neatly and with PureVolt going the extra mile for my tricky roof!! We've been producing 65% of our electricity from the roof since they installed it and are on track to exceed our savings. I highly recommend them.
Reviewed on Google
Raymond CarrickJune 2023
PUREVOLT is a great company to work with...PUREVOLT is a great company to work with from first contacting them. I found their website has great information and worth going through before you decide what system you want. Very happy with the price. They did everything, except I needed to set up information for SEAI about the grant which the customer must do themselves. Had panels installed less than 2 months after first contacting them and everything was installed in one day.
Reviewed on Google
Darren McJune 2023
...can't compliment them enoughEverything went perfect from the work that was done on roof so tidy and neat can’t see cable all secured perfectly, to the electricians Tadhg and Jessica I can’t compliment them enough there work is first class nice neat, on wall ran cable down along the stud work cleaned up after themselves,a world of information went through everything all questions answered great information and told we’re only a phone call away if any problems, and kelly with all information and forms filled ahead of time Esb forms sent in ,ran very smoothly cant praise the lads enough thanks Purvolt
Reviewed on Google
Daniel FitzgeraldJune 2023
Highly Recommend.Excellent service and personnel from start to finish. Highly recommend.
Reviewed on Google
Rob ByrneJune 2023
Great service... and total professionals!Can’t recommend PureVolt highly enough. Great service from start to finish and total professionals! Delighted with my new Solar install.
Reviewed on Google
Michael JamisonJune 2023
Would highly recommend them.Ian, Kelly and the team in pure volt were excellent from start to finish. Very professional company. Any questions I had they got back to me straight away. The work of installing the solar panel system is neat and tidy. would highly recommend them. I will definitely be back to them if I need to add anything else to the system.
Reviewed on Google
Karen HammondApril 2023
Excellent workmanship and neat installationPurevolt were excellent to deal with from the quote all the way through to the installation. Extremely professional, excellent workmanship and neat installation. Purevolt completed all the paperwork for grants as soon as the installation was complete. Highly recommend them!
Reviewed on Google
Manish KheterpalApril 2023
Professional from start to finishGood planning and professional from start to finish.
Reviewed on Google
Ken CooganApril 2023
Professional InstallPleasure to deal with and professional install.
Reviewed on Google
Mathies Eduard RasmussenApril 2023
...installed just the way we wanted itWe had our solar & battery system installed by PureVolt in April 2023. Very short lead in time of just 13 days from booking to install for us. They were able to accomodate all of our requests, and everything was installed just the way we wanted it.
Reviewed on Google
Bryan ScullyApril 2023
We are delighted we proceeded with PureVoltCould not speak more highly for PureVolt . From start to finish, it was excellent and stress free. Very competitively priced and provided good, honest advice without trying to sell anything which wasn't needed. The PV system was installed on time and tidy by a very professional team to which they answered any queries we had regarding the installation. The PV panels themselves are performing brilliantly so far. We are delighted we proceeded with PureVolt and would highly recommend them.
Reviewed on Google
John KilroyApril 2023
...delighted with the resultsDelighted with service from beginning to end in dealing with Purevolt solar. They were very competitively priced, had an incredibly fast turnaround time and fitted top quality equipment. I found John very straight talking and honest in his appraisal of the systems and options available - he is an electrician by trade and has worked in solar for years - he is not a salesman just interested in maximising sales and felt he was genuinely interested in providing the best system to suit our needs. The standard of work carried out by the installers was excellent and the electrician Daniel has a real pride in his work and helped me understand the system and the apps to monitor/ control. We now have solar panels installed and are delighted with the results whereby we can monitor our live solar generation and adjust our usage accordingly and heat our water (using my eddi) and sell the excess electricity back to the grid. As well as going green we are seeing a significant drop in our electricity bills so its a Win Win!
Reviewed on Google
Adrian InsleyMarch 2023
Great serviceGreat service. Great support from all PureVolt staff. Would highly recommended this company.
Reviewed on Google
Stefan BinkFebruary 2023
A pleasure to deal withOnce I decided to go with solar panels- the competence, professionalism and delivery of project was top class. The technician that put panels on roof, and the electrical technician that put in the battery and electric press and connected all to house fuse box, were very knowledgeable, experienced and a pleasure to deal with. From the initial contact with the Project Manager to the final installation- the full journey was well explained and I was confident and assured that the installation was delivered to the highest standard.
Reviewed on Google
Martha SFebruary 2023
...so grateful to have found PurevoltMy husband and I can't provide enough superlative praise to John and his team. We had a system of ten photovoltaic panels installed on our roof this past autumn and found the entire experience a very positive one, from Kelly overseeing logistics from the office to our installation team, who didn't leave until they were certain that all of our questions had been answered. We thought long and hard about the initial expense of installing such a system, but we have absolutely no regrets and have found the panels to be producing at a level in excess of our expectations. To do something good for the environment and our grandchildren, as well as something that has already begun to reap financial benefits is a win win. We are so grateful to have found Purevolt.
Reviewed on Google
John HudsonJanuary 2023
I'm delighted with PureVoltOnce you have managed to make contact and get a quote (which, as with other solar installers, can take some time) the installation and service from PureVolt was excellent. Very competitively priced and gave good, honest advice without trying to sell anything which I didn't need. The solar panels were installed on time by very professional and friendly roofers and electrician who answered any questions regarding the installation. Following the installation SEAI inspected the works and found nothing to be concerned about. PureVolt's John Egan attended the inspection to in order that he could rectify any problems should they arise. For the first couple of days after the installation I had some minor issues with the inverter app which PureVolt resolved by liaising with the inverter manufacturer. I'm delighted with PureVolt and I highly recommend them.
Reviewed on Google
Tim HynesNovember 2022
Highly recommendOnce I decided to go with solar panels- the competence, professionalism and delivery of project was top class. The technician that put panels on roof, and the electrical technician that put in the battery and electric press and connected all to house fuse box, were very knowledgeable, experienced and a pleasure to deal with. From the initial contact with the Project Manager to the final installation- the full journey was well explained and I was confident and assured that the installation was delivered to the highest standard.
Reviewed on Google
Alan DeacyNovember 2022
Extremely happy with the serviceEnquired about a new PV system. John phoned me back shortly after my enquiry and went into great detail about the different systems and tailored one that would suit my needs. I received a very competitive price. Extremely happy with the service this company provided. Very professional and knowledgeable in the solar industry.
Reviewed on Google
Aidan BerginNovember 2022
Would highly recommend this companyWould highly recommend this company for your solar installation, efficient, tidy and the lads keep you well informed as the installation proceeds.
Reviewed on Google

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