Paying for solar

How to pay for solar.

Your own funds, a grant and borrowing do different jobs. Understand what each means before deciding how to pay for the work.

Compare the options Home loan information

Your money, grants and borrowing.

01 · Your money

Pay from your own funds

You pay the agreed installation price without taking a loan for it. Budget for the payment schedule, any excluded work and ongoing maintenance.

Keep the gross price visible even if a grant is expected.

02 · Scheme support

Check grant eligibility

A grant contributes towards eligible work. It does not fund every project or replace the need to cover the remaining cost.

SEAI approval is needed before equipment purchase or work. Plan for payment after completion.

Check home and business grants

03 · Borrowing

Compare the full loan cost

A loan spreads payments but adds interest and possibly fees. Compare the amount borrowed, term, repayments and total repayable, not just the monthly figure.

The lender decides whether to approve an application.

People First Credit Union and Finance Ireland

Before you decide

Ask for the whole picture.

Use the same system and assumptions when comparing proposals.

Installation price. Equipment, labour, included work and any extras.
Grant assumption. The scheme, eligibility status and when payment is expected.
Your commitment. The amount to fund, deposit, payment dates, interest, fees and total repayable.
Estimated energy value. Generation, use on site and export assumptions, kept separate from guaranteed costs.

A roof survey can inform the design and final quotation. It cannot approve a grant or loan, or guarantee future electricity savings.

What should I compare between home loans?

Compare APR for the same amount and term. If the terms differ, look at the total cost of credit as well. A smaller monthly repayment can still cost more overall.

Ask whether the rate is fixed or variable, about fees and early repayment, and whether security or a guarantor is required. Check affordability independently of estimated solar savings.

CCPC guidance on comparing loans

For your business

Ownership or an electricity contract?

Bring your finance and property colleagues into the discussion early.

For a purchase or finance proposal, ask who owns the equipment, what repayments apply and who is responsible for maintenance. Have your adviser check the tax and accounting treatment.

What is a power purchase agreement?

In a typical solar power purchase agreement, or PPA, a provider owns and maintains the system and you buy its electricity under a contract. This is different from buying the panels with a loan.

Ask about the contract term, electricity price and increases, minimum payments, roof access, maintenance, early exit and what happens to the equipment at the end.

This explains a possible structure, not a PPA offer from Infinite Energy. Availability, terms and any grant interaction need separate confirmation.

How a solar PPA works (US EPA, general explanation)

Have a recent electricity bill, operating hours and ownership or lease details ready. We can discuss the site and the information needed for a proposal. A conversation is not funding approval.

Guidance checked 11 September 2026. See the linked SEAI, CCPC and lender sources for current conditions. The PPA explanation describes the general structure only, not Irish tax rules or an available finance product.

For your home

Ready to look at your roof?

Request a free survey with a solar consultant. There is no obligation to go ahead.

Request your free roof survey

Still reading up?

Take it at your own pace.

Read practical guides about quotes, roofs, equipment and what to expect from an installation.

Find answers in Solar Hub Explore the grant email guides

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