Free solar for good causes

Why are we doing this?

Our main goal is to reduce carbon emissions by bringing renewable energy to as many homes and organisations as possible. By giving away all of our 2024 profits in the form of free solar panels, we're doubling down on our commitment to sustainability. Our 'Free Solar for Good Causes' initiative not only helps cut CO2 emissions but also supports organisations that do incredible work in their communities — many of whom would struggle to afford the transition to clean energy on their own.

This scheme is our attempt to help Ireland go green while amplifying the impact of organisations that are already making the world a better place. We're dedicating all of our 2024 profits to funding solar installations for charities, non-profits, and other groups that want to do good but might not have the resources to invest in clean energy themselves.

By reducing their carbon footprint and energy costs, these organisations can focus more of their resources on the important work they do while contributing to the fight against climate change. It's our way of giving back, making a real environmental impact, and supporting those who make a difference.

How does it work?

Full disclosure: although your organisation won't need to contribute any of its own money toward your solar PV system, you will need to dedicate some time and resources to getting the panels up and running as soon as possible. Here's how we expect it to go.

Who can apply?

To apply, organisations must meet certain criteria: they should own the building where the panels will be installed or, if renting, they should have a long-term lease and written permission from the landlord. The building itself must be structurally suitable, with a suitable roof and the necessary electrical setup to support a solar installation.

We're looking to support groups that make a positive impact in their communities, such as charities, voluntary organisations, and other non-profits that may lack the financial means to invest in renewable energy. Unfortunately, organisations with significant financial resources, such as private businesses, government-funded institutions and members-only clubs, would not be eligible for this programme.

Where is this scheme available?

The Free Solar Panels initiative is open to organisations within our primary service areas, including Dublin, Galway and most places in between (see a list of our locations here). If you're just outside our catchment area but you have a big roof and a big difference to make in the world, please do speak to us.

How are the winners chosen?

We may have more applications than budget allows, and in that case we need to select the winning projects.

We have two criteria to consider: making the biggest impact on carbon emissions and the biggest impact on communities that need help. Once the applications have been considered and vetted for solar suitability, we'll put all the eligible projects forwards to our staff, who cast their votes on which good causes will make the biggest difference.

If your project doesn't make it this time, you are more than welcome to re-apply in future rounds.

When should I apply?

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2025. However, if circumstances change, we reserve the right to move the deadline without warning. As soon as you're ready to apply, we recommend you submit the online application form.

How do I apply?

When you're ready to apply, you can start the ball rolling by submitting the online application form. But please do say 'hi' and get to know us before you submit your application.

In the coming days, we will also be publishing a supplementary "Terms and Conditions" style document explaining the application process in greater detail. If you have any questions at all, please just get in touch.

What can I do to help?

If you yourself do not represent an organisation which would be eligible for this scheme, please tell anyone who might. We don't need you to promote PureVolt. We just want to hear from the organisations with the biggest potential to make solar electricity while also making a difference.

What's the catch?

We ask all applicants for full transparency, and we hold ourselves to the same standards. If you are a journalist, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you want to grill us, find out more, or generally put us to the test.

First off, PureVolt is not a registered charity / non-profit, though that is our purpose. We are a registered company like any other.

The difference is though that our owners do not take any money from the company - there are no dividends or alike - not today, not tomorrow, not ever. The founder does not take a salary either.

Now this doesn't mean the company never declares a profit on its accounts. What it means is when the company makes profit, that money is always retained inside the company. It is not allowed to be paid out to the owners. Instead, we use it for installing solar panels on charity buildings, community centres or other good causes across Ireland. All the profits made are to be used for putting solar panels on the rooves of good causes.

When did we start doing this?

An initiative like this was always the long term goal of the founder, and we deicded to make the change at the end of 2024. Early in 2025, we made the announcement on our website for all to see. We are deliberately nailing our colours to the mast — there's no going back or changing our minds. In good times or bad, the profits cannot be extracted from the company. Any income not needed to run the business must be put to good use in reducing Ireland's CO2 footprint and helping good causes via free solar panel installations in our local communities.

Does this make PureVolt more expensive?

No. We run like any other solar panel installation company in Ireland — working hard to be efficient, provide good value, and maintain the highest standards in customer service.

This free solar for good causes scheme does not affect our customers or pricing at all — we target similar margins to any other Irish solar business. The only difference is what we do with those profits — we use them to help reduce Ireland's CO2 footprint via this scheme.

We would always recommend people get a few solar quotes so you can compare. You'll probably find us somewhere in the middle, offering the good service and quality installations you can read about in our reviews.

The small print

Please read all the information on this page, including the below terms, before submitting your application.