1. Who we are (data controller)
For the purposes of the GDPR and Irish data protection law, the data controller is SolarGuide (referred to as “SolarGuide”, “we”, “us”, or “our” in this policy). We operate a solar PV installation business serving Dublin and Leinster, with our primary base in Dublin 3.
Alfie Byrne Rd, Dublin 3, D03 K7W7, Ireland
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 1 525 0040
If you have questions about how your data is handled, or you wish to exercise your rights, you can contact our privacy mailbox at [email protected]. Where required, we will verify identity before processing a request.
2. Personal data we collect
We collect personal data that you provide to us directly and data collected automatically when you use our website. We do not intentionally collect special category data (for example health data) and we do not require sensitive personal information to provide solar PV quotations or to answer SEAI grant questions.
2.1 Data you provide
- Full name (for example, when you request a quote or contact us)
- Email address (to send quote details, confirm appointments, and respond to enquiries)
- Phone number (to confirm survey times and answer practical questions about the installation)
- Location information you type in (for example “Clontarf, Dublin 3” or a county), to plan service availability
- Message content you send us (including questions about solar panels, battery storage, SEAI grant eligibility, or timelines)
2.2 Data collected automatically
- IP address and approximate location derived from it (city or region level)
- Device and browser information such as operating system, device type, browser version, and language settings
- Usage data such as pages viewed, clicks, time on page, and referral source
- Cookies and similar technologies as described in the Cookies section of this policy
- Server log data (for security, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring)
2.3 Data we do not need
We do not ask for PPS numbers, bank account details, or payment card details through our website forms. If a project proceeds and payment details are required, we will handle that through appropriate secure channels and only for the purpose of invoicing and accounting obligations.
3. How we collect personal data
We collect data through the following methods, depending on how you interact with SolarGuide:
When you submit a request for a quote or contact us via /contact-us/, we collect the details you enter to respond and provide your requested information.
We use a cookie consent banner to record your choice (accept or reject). Your preference is stored in your browser using local storage so we can respect your selection on future visits.
If you accept analytics cookies, we may use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use our pages so we can improve content about solar panels in Ireland, Dublin installation guidance, and SEAI grant information.
If you accept marketing cookies, we may use the Meta Pixel for measuring ad performance and showing relevant adverts. We do not use these tools unless you opt in via the cookie banner.
We also receive messages if you contact us directly by email or phone. If you call, we may note your name, number, and general project details to schedule a survey, prepare an estimate, or answer follow-up questions.
4. Legal bases for processing (GDPR Article 6)
Under the GDPR, we must have a lawful basis to process personal data. Depending on the context, SolarGuide relies on one or more of the following:
| Data / activity | Purpose | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Quote / contact form details (name, email, phone) | Respond to enquiries, arrange survey, provide estimate | Contract steps (Art. 6(1)(b)) and legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f)) |
| Service communications | Follow-ups, scheduling, support queries | Contract (Art. 6(1)(b)) and legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f)) |
| Server logs and security monitoring | Protect site, prevent fraud, troubleshoot issues | Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f)) |
| Analytics cookies (GA4) | Improve site content and user experience | Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)) |
| Marketing cookies (Meta Pixel) | Measure ad performance and show relevant ads | Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)) |
| Legal and accounting records (if you become a customer) | Compliance with tax and legal obligations | Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c)) |
Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.
5. Why we use your data (purposes of processing)
SolarGuide uses personal data to operate and improve our services and to respond to people who are researching solar PV in Ireland, including solar panel installation in Dublin and SEAI grant support. Specifically, we use personal data for the following purposes:
- Service delivery and quote preparation: to assess your request, propose a suitable system size, and schedule a site survey where required.
- Customer support: to answer questions before or after an installation, including monitoring guidance and practical system use tips.
- Marketing (consent-based only): to measure advertising performance and build audiences for relevant adverts, only if you accept marketing cookies.
- Website improvement: to understand which pages are useful, such as grant information or cost guidance, only if you accept analytics cookies.
- Fraud prevention and security: to protect our website, prevent abuse, and maintain availability.
- Legal compliance: to meet our obligations where applicable (for example, keeping required records if you become a customer).
We do not sell personal data. We do not use your personal data to make decisions based solely on automated processing that produce legal or similarly significant effects.
6. How long we keep personal data (retention)
We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Retention depends on the type of data and why it was collected.
Retained for up to 2 years from the last interaction to allow follow-up, maintain a record of advice given, and handle repeat enquiries. If you ask us to delete your data sooner, we will act unless we must keep it for legal reasons.
Retained for 14 months (standard configuration) to understand trends and improve our pages. You can reject analytics cookies at any time to stop future collection in your browser.
Retained in accordance with the settings of the marketing platform used (for example Meta). We aim to keep marketing identifiers only as long as necessary to measure campaigns. You can withdraw consent via the cookie banner.
If we ever offer an email list, we will only add you with your explicit consent. Retention would be until you unsubscribe, and we would remove your email within 30 days of an unsubscribe request, except where we must keep minimal suppression records to ensure you are not re-added.
Retention periods can be longer due to warranties, safety documentation, and legal obligations. We retain only what is necessary and apply appropriate access controls.
8. International data transfers
Some of our service providers (for example analytics and advertising platforms) may process personal data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Where personal data is transferred outside the EEA, we take steps to ensure an appropriate level of protection.
Depending on the provider and destination, safeguards may include an adequacy decision by the European Commission or the use of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission, along with supplementary measures where appropriate.
You can contact us at [email protected] if you would like more information about the safeguards used for specific transfers.
9. Your rights under GDPR
If you are in the EEA (including Ireland), you have the following rights in relation to your personal data. These rights are not absolute and may be subject to legal conditions and exemptions.
You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you and information about how we use it.
You can ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
You can request deletion of your personal data where there is no valid reason for us to keep it.
You can request that we limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.
You can request to receive certain personal data in a structured, commonly used format and have it transmitted to another controller where technically feasible.
You can object to processing based on legitimate interests, and you can object to direct marketing at any time.
9.1 Withdrawing consent
Where we rely on consent (for example, analytics cookies or marketing cookies), you can withdraw consent at any time by using the “Manage cookies” option on this page or via the cookie banner. Withdrawing consent stops future collection in your browser. It does not delete historic analytics records already collected in aggregate form, but it prevents further tracking tied to your device.
9.2 How to exercise your rights
To submit a request, email [email protected] with the subject line “Data Rights Request”. Please include your name, the email address or phone number you used to contact us, and the specific right you wish to exercise. We may request additional information to confirm identity and to protect your data.
9.3 Right to complain
If you believe our processing of your personal data infringes data protection law, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Irish supervisory authority: the Data Protection Commission (DPC).
We encourage you to contact us first so we can address your concern promptly, but this does not affect your right to complain to the DPC.
11. Children’s privacy
Our website and services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data to us, please contact [email protected] and we will take steps to delete the information where appropriate.
12. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in how we operate the website, changes in legal requirements, or updates to the tools we use. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Where appropriate, we may also provide additional notice on the website (for example via a banner) or by email if we have your email for an active service relationship.
The current version of this policy will always be available at /privacy/.
13. Contact details and privacy mailbox
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to privacy and personal data, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
General enquiries: [email protected]
Phone: +353 1 525 0040
Address: Alfie Byrne Rd, Dublin 3, D03 K7W7, Ireland
Need a quote instead?
If your main goal is to understand solar PV costs, payback, and SEAI grant steps for your home or business, you can contact us for a straightforward estimate.
Privacy FAQs
Quick answers to common privacy and cookie questions. These are written to be easy to reuse in FAQ schema where appropriate.
Do you sell my personal data?
No. SolarGuide does not sell personal data. We share data only with processors needed to run the website or to respond to your enquiry.
What personal data do you collect for a quote?
Typically your name, email, phone number, and any details you choose to include about your location or project so we can respond accurately.
How do I reject analytics and marketing cookies?
Use the cookie banner “Reject” option or the “Manage cookies” button on this page. Your preference is stored in your browser.
How long do you keep my enquiry details?
We generally keep enquiry and form submission details for up to 2 years from the last interaction, unless you request deletion or we must keep records for legal reasons.
Who is the supervisory authority in Ireland?
In Ireland, the supervisory authority is the Data Protection Commission (DPC). You have the right to lodge a complaint with the DPC.
How do I request deletion of my data?
Email [email protected] with “Data Rights Request” and tell us what you want deleted. We may ask for verification to protect your data.
Questions about your data or cookies?
Contact our privacy mailbox and we will respond as quickly as possible. For quote requests and solar PV advice, use our contact page.