Not All Solar Providers Are The Same
Updated March 21st, 2025
By Morgan Pierce
The title of the book is Museum Bums and it proudly claims to be – and in this surprising example is – “a cheeky look at butts in art”. From the muscular buttocks of Michelangelo’s “David” to the “Venus Callipyge” (literal translation “Venus with the beautiful bum”) the book’s pages are filled with exactly the treasures it describes.
Often, that’s not the case.
In our own business, for instance, there are now hundreds of “solar providers” across the island of Ireland. That’s good for competition, and good for customers when it works to keep prices down, but it can also be bewildering. Not all solar providers are the same, and sometimes the most competitive price – the cheapest installation – is arrived at by shaving the margins, skimping on quality, or hiring the cheapest labour instead of the most qualified.
At SolarSmart, we like to think that – like that saucy book I mentioned – we live up to expectations. Happily, others seem to think so too.
Next week we’ll take part in the Small Firms Association Prize ceremony where we’ve been named as one of only six Finalists in the “Services” category. A big shout out to our worthy competitors from a range of services providers from across the country – 3Q Recruitment – Dublin; ASafe Global – Co. Clare; RedSky Europe – Kilkenny; ROCTEL – Dublin; and ZEUS Mobility – Co. Carlow. No matter which of us comes out on top on the night, by giving us a chance to share our stories, the Small Firms Association makes us all winners.
And it’s not just industry professionals who’ve noticed we’re doing something right. 96% of customers who reviewed us on Trustpilot gave us a 5/5 rating. Our latest reviewer noted the accuracy and professionalism our salesman, Steve, brought to the project, and that “the fitting team was also extraordinary. They implemented the project perfectly, exactly as I wanted.”
We strive to give that level of customer service at every step of the way – from sales, to installation, to aftercare.
Some Solar Providers Go The Extra Mile
When it comes to sales, most solar providers will assure you that the government’s generous €1800 solar energy grant will bring the real cost down, and that they will help process the paperwork to make sure you get that payment.
We’re so confident in our ability to install a fully grant-eligible solar system to our customers’ homes, that we will do all the paperwork and all the waiting. That means that anyone who buys a system from SolarSmart will pay €1800 less up front than they would from any other solar provider.
When it comes to making the change to solar, lots of us don’t own the “typical detached house” on which solar panels can easily be fitted. We noticed back in 2022 that the team at Solar Structures were thinking along similar lines, and since then we’ve teamed up to conquer the challenges presented by some of Ireland’s trickier roofscapes. Together we’ve supplied solar installations for hard-to-reach locations, period buildings, and outdoor spaces.
We’ve also been taking the lead in providing post installation service. Solar components have a long lifespan, but with any such system you’re likely to run into some small issue, need a replacement part, or want an upgrade. Our maintenance and repair service is another way of proving that we’ll be here when you need us (not just for the installation).
Our engineers and electricians are qualified to handle a full range of common problems. From damaged panels, to faulty wiring, to inverter failures, to grounding issues, we make safe and efficient repairs a priority.
We can’t lay claim to a “cheeky”, scintillating title. But we do proudly claim to be “as advertised on the tin” a Solar provider that is Smart.
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.