Solar Panels for Mobile Homes, Park Homes & Static Caravans in Ireland
Can you install solar panels on a mobile home, park home, or static caravan in Ireland? Yes, you can install solar panels on mobile homes, park homes, and static caravans in Ireland, but you'll need a structural survey to confirm roof load capacity (typically 2–4 kWp systems), and SEAI grants do not apply, though 0% VAT does. Off-grid systems are common for remote or seasonal properties.
Thousands of Irish families live in mobile homes, park homes, and static caravans—whether year-round, seasonally, or as holiday homes. Rising electricity costs make solar an attractive option, but these properties have unique considerations that standard solar guides don't address.
This guide explains everything you need to know about solar for non-traditional dwellings in Ireland.
Understanding the Different Property Types
Before discussing solar, it's important to clarify what we mean:
Mobile Homes: Transportable structures designed for residential use, often sited on private land or in licensed parks. Usually have timber frame construction with lightweight roofing.
Park Homes: Purpose-built residential units in managed residential parks, typically constructed to British Standard BS 3632. More structurally robust than mobile homes but still lighter than traditional houses.
Static Caravans: Holiday caravans permanently sited, usually in holiday parks. Lightest construction of the three, designed for seasonal rather than year-round occupation.
All three share similar solar installation challenges: lighter roof structures, planning considerations, and unique electrical requirements.
Can Your Roof Support Solar Panels?
This is the single most important question.
Standard residential solar panels weigh 18–24 kg each (approximately 10–12 kg per square metre). A typical 5 kWp system for a house weighs around 170–190 kg spread across 16 square metres of roof.
Mobile home and static caravan roofs are designed for much lighter loads than traditional houses.
Traditional Irish homes are built to support at least 75 kg per square metre (including snow load). Mobile homes and caravans typically have roof load ratings of 20–30 pounds per square foot (approximately 95–145 kg per square metre)—but this includes wind loads, snow, and a safety margin.
What this means in practice:
- 2 kWp system (4–5 panels): Weight approximately 70–90 kg across 8 square metres = 9–11 kg/m². Usually acceptable.
- 3 kWp system (6–8 panels): Weight approximately 110–140 kg across 12 square metres = 9–12 kg/m². Borderline; requires survey.
- 4+ kWp system: Weight exceeds 140 kg. May exceed safe load limits.
You MUST obtain a structural survey before installation. A chartered structural engineer will assess your specific roof trusses, age of structure, and condition. Cost: €200–€400.
Many installers refuse to work on mobile homes without this survey due to liability concerns—and rightly so.
System Sizing for Mobile Homes & Park Homes
Mobile homes and park homes typically have lower electricity demand than traditional houses:
- Average mobile/park home annual consumption: 2,000–3,500 kWh
- Traditional 3-bed house annual consumption: 4,200–4,500 kWh
Recommended system sizes:
| Property Type | Annual Usage | Recommended System | Number of Panels | Typical Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal caravan | 800–1,500 kWh | 1.5–2 kWp | 4–5 panels | ~1,400–1,900 kWh/year |
| Park home (occupied year-round) | 2,500–3,500 kWh | 2.5–3.5 kWp | 6–9 panels | ~2,400–3,300 kWh/year |
| Mobile home (full-time residence) | 2,000–3,000 kWh | 2–3 kWp | 5–8 panels | ~1,900–2,800 kWh/year |
*Figures correct as of September 2026.
The smaller roof area and weight constraints naturally limit system size—but this often matches actual consumption well.
SEAI Grant Eligibility: The Bad News
Mobile homes, park homes, and static caravans are NOT eligible for the SEAI Solar PV Grant.
The SEAI grant requires:
- An MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) from ESB Networks
- The property must have been "built and occupied before 2021"
- Must be a permanent dwelling
Mobile homes and caravans often:
- Have temporary site licences rather than planning permission
- May share communal electricity supplies in parks
- Are classified as "moveable structures" rather than dwellings
However, there is good news on VAT.
The 0% VAT rate applies to solar PV systems installed on properties used as someone's primary or permanent residence. According to Revenue guidelines, this includes park homes and mobile homes occupied year-round as the owner's main home.
What this means for costs:
| System Size | Equipment + Install Cost (0% VAT) | Standard House Cost (After €1,800 Grant) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kWp | €4,200–€4,800 | €3,200–€3,600 |
| 3 kWp | €5,500–€6,200 | €4,700–€5,200 |
| 4 kWp | €6,800–€7,500 | €6,000–€6,500 |
*Figures correct as of September 2026.
Yes, you'll pay more without the grant—but the 0% VAT still saves approximately €900–€1,300 compared to paying standard VAT.
Planning Permission & Site Licensing
Do you need planning permission for solar panels on a mobile home or caravan?
The 2022 planning exemptions (S.I. No. 493/2022) that removed rooftop solar limits apply to "houses"—and there is ambiguity about whether mobile homes qualify.
Your situation depends on:
- Private land with planning permission for dwelling use: Solar panels are likely exempt (no permission needed), but confirm with your local authority.
- Licensed residential park: The park owner/management company may have specific rules. Check your site licence and park regulations. Some parks prohibit visible alterations.
- Holiday park (seasonal use): Almost certainly requires planning permission as the structure itself has restricted use.
- Temporary structures or those without planning: You may need planning permission for the solar installation.
Always check with your local authority planning department before proceeding. A simple phone call can save costly mistakes.
Grid-Connected vs Off-Grid Systems
Grid-Connected Systems
If your mobile home or park home has a standard ESB Networks connection:
- You can export surplus solar to the grid
- You qualify for Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments (€0.185–€0.20 per kWh as of September 2026)
- Your installer must complete an NC6 form with ESB Networks
- You'll need a compatible inverter and bidirectional meter
Annual savings for a 3 kWp system: €600–€900 per year (self-consumption + export income).
Off-Grid Systems
Many mobile homes and static caravans in remote locations have no grid connection—or the cost of connection (€10,000–€50,000+ for remote rural sites) makes off-grid solar more economical.
Off-grid system components:
- Solar panels (typically 3–5 kWp)
- Battery bank (10–20 kWh for year-round use; 5–10 kWh for seasonal)
- Hybrid inverter/charger
- Optional backup generator
- Charge controller
Cost for complete off-grid system: €12,000–€25,000 depending on battery size.
Off-grid makes particular sense for:
- Holiday caravans used April–October (seasonal battery sizing reduces costs)
- Properties more than 1 km from nearest grid connection
- Sites where ESB connection quote exceeds €15,000
Learn more about off-grid solar in Ireland at Ireland's Grid Under Pressure 2026-2028: Why Solar + Battery Is Your Best Defence.
Battery Storage: Essential for Mobile Homes?
Battery storage is more common in mobile home solar installations than in traditional houses—for good reasons:
- Lower daytime occupancy: Many park home residents are retirees or families who are out during peak solar hours. Without a battery, self-consumption drops to 20–30%.
- Smaller loads make batteries more cost-effective: A 5 kWh battery (€2,500–€3,500) can store most of a 2 kWp system's daily output.
- Off-grid requirement: If you're not grid-connected, batteries are essential.
Self-consumption comparison:
- Solar only: 25–35% self-consumption
- Solar + 5 kWh battery: 65–75% self-consumption
- Off-grid (solar + battery + generator backup): 100% self-consumption
For grid-connected park homes, batteries typically add €400–€600 to annual savings by reducing grid import. Payback period: 5–8 years.
Explore battery options at WattCharger Battery Storage.
Finding an Installer Who Works on Mobile Homes
Not all solar installers will work on mobile homes or park homes.
Why? Liability concerns around structural capacity, non-standard electrical systems, and planning ambiguity.
When approaching installers:
- Disclose the property type upfront. Don't wait until the site visit.
- Ask if they have experience with mobile/park homes.
- Be prepared to provide:
- Structural survey confirming roof load capacity
- Proof of site ownership or park licence
- Confirmation of planning status
- Photos of roof structure and electrical panel
WattCharger assesses mobile home and park home installations on a case-by-case basis. Contact us with property details for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an SEAI grant for solar on my mobile home?
No. Mobile homes, park homes, and static caravans are not eligible for the SEAI Solar PV Grant. However, you do qualify for 0% VAT if the property is your permanent residence.
How much does a 3 kWp system cost for a park home?
Approximately €5,500–€6,200 including installation and 0% VAT. This compares to €4,700–€5,200 for a traditional house (after the €1,800 SEAI grant).
Will solar panels damage my mobile home roof?
Not if installed correctly by a qualified installer after a structural survey. The survey (€200–€400) confirms your roof trusses can safely support the system weight and wind loads.
Can I install solar on a holiday caravan I only use in summer?
Yes, seasonal solar can be very effective. A 2 kWp system can cover most summer electricity needs. Off-grid systems with smaller batteries (5 kWh) work well for seasonal properties.
Final Thoughts
Solar panels on mobile homes, park homes, and static caravans are absolutely viable in Ireland—but require more careful planning than standard house installations.
The key steps:
- Structural survey first – confirm roof capacity
- Check planning status with your local authority
- Choose system size carefully – 2–3 kWp is usually optimal
- Factor in no SEAI grant but claim 0% VAT
- Consider battery storage – especially for off-grid or low daytime occupancy
Annual electricity savings of €600–€900 (grid-connected) or elimination of bills entirely (off-grid) make solar financially worthwhile even without grant support, but payback periods are longer (7–10 years vs 5–7 years for traditional homes).
Ready to Explore Solar for Your Mobile or Park Home?
WattCharger assesses non-traditional property installations on a case-by-case basis. Get in touch for a free consultation and find out if solar is right for your mobile home, park home, or static caravan.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan