SOLAR FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES
Updated July 18th, 2025
By Morgan Pierce
Four out of nine hundred properties in the Dublin area, one in Cork, one in Limerick. That’s how many rental properties with “solar” power are advertised for rent on property site Daft.ie this week.
That’s a huge lost opportunity for landlords, tenants and the country. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan includes a target to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources up to 80% in 2030. Without greater buy in from key sectors – like residential and business developers, landlords, and tenants, those targets will be hard to reach.
We’re always looking for ways to turn “lost opportunities” into gold. Expanding solar roofprint in the rental sector seems like a no-brainer to us.
Transitioning to low cost, renewable solar energy can be good for all – whether you rent from a private landlord or your local authority. Solar for rental properties, will save you money on your energy bills, and making the switch has other important knock-on benefits.
As we’ve said, that 80% renewables target won’t be met without a sustained collective effort. We all have a part to play in Ireland’s sustainable energy future. A future in which all our children will benefit – from a secure, independent energy supply; lower greenhouse gas emissions; and an end to the destabilising and devastating effects of climate change.
It’s pretty obvious that solar can benefit renters by lowering utility costs.
If your current home or apartment isn’t powered by solar, talk to us and then talk to your landlord. There are ways to make the transition to solar with an investment you share between you. We’ve had recent experience setting up shared arrangement solar for rental properties and can offer sound advice.
We can also suggest alternatives to the traditional rooftop solar array that might be a better fit for an older house, period home, or apartment building. Portable or plug in solar panels, ground or balcony mounted panels, are all options worth discussing.
Solar For Rental Properties Is A Win For Landlords
In many cases until now, landlords have been slow to invest in solar for rental properties because they couldn’t see how it benefited them.
And we can help them rethink that too.
Good landlords know that careful maintenance, special amenities and value for money attract long-term, respectful tenants. Solar, and extras like solar powered charging for EVs, allow property owners to attract environmentally conscious tenants for whom energy efficiency and sustainability are real concerns. Many of those tenants will be willing to pay a premium for accommodation that showcases their values. Such tenants are likely to stay longer and take better care of their rentals.
The very same grants that enable homeowners to install solar, make installation cost effective for landlords as well. Grants are awarded on a per property basis, so landlords who own two or more properties do have to file separate applications, but the paperwork is simple.
At SolarSmart we’re adept at helping clients negotiate solar for rental properties, the application process, and property owners can rest assured that our professional installers know how to get the job done safely and well, with a minimum of disturbance to tenants.
Grants aside, the Irish government provides a range of tax incentives, low-cost loans and favourable mortgage rates to encourage private and commercial landlords to invest in green upgrades.
Finally, studies have shown that properties with higher energy efficiency ratings – like those with solar – can command prices almost 10% higher than those with lower ratings. For landlords with multiple properties, that could mean a significant increase in the overall value of their assets.
Going solar makes financial success for tenants and landlords. Now, while the number of rental properties fitted with solar is low, making the switch also supplies that ineffable “feel good factor” – of knowing that your example is helping to power change for good
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.
