How to Prepare Your Home or Business for a Solar PV Installation

RER Electrical & Solar
Dec 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Switching to solar PV is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs, increase efficiency, and future-proof your property. But before installation day arrives, a little preparation can go a long way. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner or farmer, these simple steps will help ensure a smooth and successful solar installation with RER Electrical & Solar Ltd.

1. Understand Your Energy Usage

Solar works best when it’s designed around your actual energy needs. Before your installation, take note of:

Your typical daytime electricity use
High-demand appliances (heat pumps, refrigeration, ventilation, machinery)
Seasonal variations in consumption

This helps our team size your system correctly and maximise your long-term savings.

2. Assess Your Roof or Installation Area

Most solar systems in Ireland are roof-mounted, so the condition and layout of the roof matters. Things to consider:

Is the roof in good structural condition?
Are there chimneys, skylights, or vents that might cast shadows?
Is the roof south-facing or close to it? (East/west also works very well!)

For farms and commercial sites, ground mounts or shed roofs are common, and often ideal due to large surface areas.

3. Check Grant Eligibility Early

Funding can significantly reduce the cost of going solar:

For Homeowners

SEAI grant: Up to €1,800 in 2025
Home must be built before 2021
0% VAT applies to all residential installs

For Farmers

TAMS 3 offers 60% funding up to €90,000
Battery storage also supported (up to 50% of PV size)

For Businesses

Benefit from Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA)
VAT reclaim for VAT-registered businesses

Getting grant paperwork started early helps avoid delays.

4. Clear Access for Installers

To ensure a smooth installation day:

Clear driveways or yards where vans will park
Provide access to attic spaces if needed
Move fragile items or obstacles beneath roof areas
Ensure pets or livestock are managed safely

The RER installation team is fast and efficient, these small steps help keep the process seamless.

5. Consider Battery Storage

While optional, a battery can:

Increase your self-consumption
Power your home or business after sunset
Reduce reliance on the grid during peak pricing hours

For farms, battery storage is often grant-supported under TAMS 3.

6. Plan for Future Energy Needs

Thinking about adding:

An EV charger?
A heat pump?
Additional solar panels later?

Tell us in advance, we can design your system to scale as your energy requirements grow.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a solar PV installation is simple, and the long-term rewards are significant: lower bills, cleaner energy, and improved energy independence. With grants available and 0% VAT for homeowners, now is the ideal time to make the switch.

At RER Electrical & Solar Ltd, we guide you through every stage, from assessment and design to installation and aftercare.