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Our Approach

How We Work

A clear, structured process that takes your community organisation from initial curiosity about solar to a fully commissioned, verified system — without your committee needing to become technical experts.

01

Initial Consultation

Everything begins with a conversation. We want to understand your organisation — its size, the building you have in mind, your energy bills, your committee's capacity and your broader goals. This initial discussion is free and carries no obligation.

We'll ask straightforward questions about your roof, your electricity usage patterns and whether you've already explored any funding options. By the end of this conversation, you'll have a clearer sense of whether solar is worth pursuing and what the process would involve.

Outcomes from this stage:

  • Clear picture of your organisation's situation
  • Honest assessment of solar suitability
  • Overview of likely grant options
  • Agreed next steps if proceeding
02

Feasibility Assessment

If the initial conversation suggests solar is worth exploring, we conduct a thorough feasibility assessment of your building. This involves a site visit to assess roof condition, orientation, pitch and available area, combined with an analysis of your electricity consumption data.

We also evaluate shading from surrounding trees or structures, assess the structural capacity of the roof to carry panel weight, and review your grid connection to understand export possibilities. The result is a written feasibility report your committee can present to members, funders or your board.

Outcomes from this stage:

  • Written feasibility report
  • Indicative system sizing and generation estimates
  • Preliminary cost range
  • Identification of applicable grant schemes
03

SEAI Grant Application

The SEAI administers several grant schemes relevant to community organisations installing renewable energy. Navigating these schemes — understanding eligibility, preparing documentation, meeting submission requirements — can be time-consuming for a voluntary committee.

We prepare the application documentation, coordinate any required supporting materials, and manage correspondence with SEAI on your behalf. We keep your committee informed of progress and promptly address any queries the agency raises.

Outcomes from this stage:

  • Complete grant application prepared and submitted
  • All supporting documentation compiled
  • Ongoing liaison with SEAI
  • Grant offer received and explained to committee
04

Planning Permission

Many community solar installations fall within exempted development thresholds under Irish planning law, meaning no planning permission is required. However, some buildings — particularly protected structures or those in architectural conservation areas — require a formal application.

We advise clearly on which route applies to your building, prepare the relevant documentation where a planning application is needed, and coordinate with your local authority throughout the process.

Outcomes from this stage:

  • Clear planning status determination
  • Planning application prepared if required
  • Local authority liaison managed
  • Planning outcome communicated to committee
05

Installer Procurement

Selecting a solar installer is one of the most consequential decisions in the project. We manage a structured procurement process — preparing a detailed specification, approaching our panel of vetted installers, and evaluating responses on a like-for-like basis.

We assess quotes for technical quality, not just price. This includes evaluating panel and inverter specifications, warranty terms, grid connection approach and commissioning procedures. We present our findings to your committee with a clear recommendation.

Outcomes from this stage:

  • Technical specification prepared
  • Competitive quotes obtained from vetted installers
  • Technical evaluation report
  • Recommended installer with clear rationale
06

Installation Oversight

Once installation begins, we maintain technical oversight throughout the process. We attend key milestones, review work against the agreed specification and raise any concerns with the installer directly — so your committee isn't placed in the uncomfortable position of managing a contractor on technical matters they're unfamiliar with.

We keep your committee updated with clear progress reports throughout the installation period.

Outcomes from this stage:

  • On-site quality oversight at key stages
  • Specification compliance checks
  • Issues identified and resolved promptly
  • Regular progress updates to committee
07

Performance Verification

After commissioning, we verify that the system is performing as expected — checking generation output against projections, confirming monitoring systems are functioning correctly and reviewing any grid export arrangements.

We produce a final handover report that documents the system, its performance and key operational information. This gives your committee a clear reference document for future maintenance decisions and grant compliance reporting.

Outcomes from this stage:

  • Performance verification against projections
  • Monitoring system confirmed operational
  • Final handover report produced
  • Committee briefed on ongoing operation
Solar consultant conducting technical assessment on a community building rooftop
Our Commitment

Independent Advice, Always

We do not sell solar panels or installations. We do not receive commission from installers. Our income comes from the organisations we advise, which means our recommendations are made entirely in your interest.

This independence is fundamental to how we work. When we recommend an installer or advise on system sizing, you can be confident the advice reflects what's right for your project — not what's most profitable for us.

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