How to Get Solar Panels with No Upfront Cost

Think solar is out of reach because of the cost? Think again. Solar-as-a-Service lets Irish homeowners and businesses enjoy the benefits of solar power with no upfront spend.

Author

Briain Kelly
September 03, 2025

Inside this week’s edition:

  • Solar as a Service Agreements Explained

  • Understanding the Efficiency of Solar Panels

  • Kirsty’s quick win for lower electricity bills

  • The Latest on Rising Network Charges

  • How to Check Your Meter (And Spot Waste)

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Solar Panels with no Upfront Cost to Customers

The cost of buying solar panels is the biggest obstacle to homeowners and businesses investing in renewable energy.

Solar as a Service agreements help you get around that obstacle through solar panel leasing, power purchase agreements, and long term payment contracts.

Our guide explains the different types of solar as a service agreements available and how they work.

Solar as a Service - Solar Panels With No Upfront Cost - Energy Efficiency

The significant upfront cost is one of the biggest obstacles to investing in solar panels, but solar leasing agreements can get around this.

energyefficiency.ie/blog/solar-panels-with-no-upfront-cost

Understanding Solar Panel Efficiency

Why can’t solar panels do better at converting sunlight into electricity? Well, we take a dive into explaining the efficiency of solar panels and how it applies to you.

Our guide explains just what solar panel efficiency is, what factors determine that efficiency, and what you can expect from different solar panels on the market today.

Understanding Solar Panel Efficiency - Energy Efficiency

The efficiency of a solar panel plays a big role in how much electricity it produces. Our guide explains what solar panel efficiency is and what affects it.

energyefficiency.ie/blog/understanding-solar-panel-efficiency

Kirsty’s Quick Win For Lower Electricity Bills

Kirsty doesn’t let her time out in the wilds deter her from focusing on how to save money in the home.

Simply switching electricity providers and getting a bit more canny about when you use electricity can save you hundreds of euro.

@energy.efficiency.ie

We’ve all blamed the immersion😅 But the real savings are in your habits — and your plan. 💡 Switch and save up to €300 ⏰ Use off-peak times... See more

The Latest on Rising Network Charges

Homeowners could face marginally higher electricity bills starting from October, as the CRU has approved the latest changes to network charges.

From October 1, the CRU will be levying increased network charges on electricity suppliers. This could result in customers’ bills going up by approximately €29 per year.

Electricity network charges going up with estimated €29 cost to families - Energy Efficiency

Irish customers could be paying more on their electricity bills starting from October as the network tariffs for 2025/2026 are set to increase.

energyefficiency.ie/blog/electricity-networks-charges-going-up-with-estimated-e29-cost-to-families

How to Read Your Electricity Meter

Knowing how to read your electricity meter is important in order to know how much electricity you have used, and how much you should be charged for it.

But there are multiple different types of meters to be found: digital or analogue 24hr & Day and Night, and now Smart meters.

Here’s a quick primer to help you read your electricity meter at home or access its data online.

How to Read Your Electricity Meter - Energy Efficiency

However, you can still read your electricity meter to find out more about your electricity consumption. Here is a guide to gauge your home energy consumption.

energyefficiency.ie/blog/how-to-read-your-electricity-meter

We hope you enjoyed the articles this week. Together with your support, we are helping to build a greener, more affordable Ireland for everyone.

That’s your energy update. Until the next edition

Briain Kelly,