What Types of Properties Are Best Suited for Solar in Ireland?

More homeowners and property owners across Ireland are exploring solar as a way to reduce electricity bills, improve energy independence, and future proof their homes. But not every property is equally suited to solar. Roof type, orientation, shading, and electricity usage all influence whether a system will perform well and deliver strong long term value.

In this guide, we look at the types of properties that are best suited for solar in Ireland and what makes a location ideal for installation.

Detached Homes with Good Roof Space

Detached homes are often the best candidates for solar because they typically have:

• Larger roof areas
• Fewer shading issues from neighbouring buildings
• More flexibility in system design
• Better access for installation and maintenance

Homes with simple roof shapes and uninterrupted surfaces tend to be ideal. Performance remains strong over time, especially where exposure to sunlight is consistent throughout the day.

If you are thinking about panel lifespan when weighing your investment, see our article Solar Panel Degradation: What to Expect Over 25 Years in Ireland for insight into long term performance.

South and West Facing Properties

Orientation plays a major role in solar output. In Ireland, the strongest generation typically comes from:

• South facing roofs
• West facing roofs that capture afternoon sun
• East facing roofs paired with west for balanced output

North facing roofs are usually less suitable, although some hybrid layouts can still work in specific situations.

To understand how orientation affects performance, read East vs West vs South: The Best Roof Orientation for Solar in Ireland which explains the strengths of each roof direction.

Homes with Minimal Shading

Properties with open exposure and little to no shading perform best. Ideal conditions include roofs that are not obstructed by:

• Trees
• Chimneys
• Nearby buildings
• Dormer structures

Even partial shading can affect generation, particularly on traditional string inverter systems.

For a deeper look at how shading influences electricity output, see How Shading Affects Your Solar Output and What You Can Do About It.

Newer Homes and Energy Efficient Properties

Modern homes often make excellent solar candidates because they typically have:

• Stronger insulation and energy performance
• Higher electrical demand through modern appliances
• Better roof structures and materials
• Suitable attic access and wiring routes

Solar works especially well as part of a broader energy efficiency strategy that may include heat pumps, EV chargers, and battery storage.

If you are planning for future upgrades, our guide Should You Oversize Your Solar System? Pros and Cons explains when installing additional panel capacity makes sense.

Rural and Suburban Properties

Rural and suburban homes often benefit from:

• Larger, unobstructed plots
• Fewer nearby structures causing shade
• Better roof exposure to daylight
• Options for ground mounted systems where roof suitability is limited

Ground mount installations can be particularly effective on farms or larger rural plots where space is plentiful and access is straightforward.

If you are considering solar as part of a broader property investment plan, you may also find Solar for Landlords: Reduce Bills and Boost Property Appeal useful.

Apartments and Townhouses: When Solar Can Still Work

Solar can also work on some apartments and townhouses, although suitability depends on:

• Shared roof ownership
• Management company approval
• Structural layout
• Metering and electricity distribution

Communal solar for shared areas can still deliver benefits in multi unit buildings, especially where common area electricity costs are high.

In these cases, a professional site assessment is essential to determine whether solar is viable.

Older Properties and Roof Condition

Older properties can still be suitable for solar, provided the roof structure is in good condition.

Before installing, homeowners should consider:

• Roof age and material stability
• Whether re roofing may be needed in the near future
• Load bearing strength
• Accessibility for installers

If a roof requires work, it is often more cost effective to complete repairs prior to solar installation so the system does not need to be removed later.

Final Thoughts

The best properties for solar in Ireland are those with good roof orientation, minimal shading, solid structural condition, and consistent daytime electricity use. Detached and suburban homes tend to perform particularly well, although many other property types can still benefit with the right design.

The key is not whether solar is possible, but whether it is suitable for your specific property.

If you want a tailored assessment, WattCharger can review your roof layout, shading, and usage patterns to design a system that delivers strong performance and long term value.