1. What are solar panels?
Solar panels that produce electricity are known as solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. These panels generate electricity when exposed to light. Solar PV is the rooftop solar you see on homes and businesses.
When considering purchasing solar panels it is important to consider whether you would like a system which generates electricity (solar PV panels) or a system which heats water (solar thermal panels).
2. What different types of solar PV panels exist?
The most common solar PV technologies are:
- Mono-crystalline silicon panels – typically the most efficient commercial solar panels at converting light into electricity
- Multi-crystalline silicon panels – typically slightly less efficient than mono-crystalline panels but often less expensive
- Thin Film panels – this include a range of technologies (including those made from cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) and amorphous silicon (aSi)). These technologies are not as widely deployed but are often favoured because of theirappealing appearance.
Source : SEAI.ie
3. Are there government subsidies?
Yes, there is currently a government grant of €2,100 available to all homeowners who have a property built and occupied before December 31st 2020. This grant is being reduced by approximately 15% per annum and is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Though the grant is capped at €2,100 in 2024, the Government plans to reduce the grant by up to €300 every year, as it expects the cost of solar panel systems to reduce over time. It is intended that the grant will end in 2029.
4. What happens when it’s not sunny? (Cloudy, winter, night-time)
In bad weather, or during winter, your solar energy output can decrease by 30-50%. At night, solar panels do not produce electricity.
However, with a battery, any excess energy generated during the day can be stored and used at night, allowing you to access solar power 24 hours a day.
5. What happens in a blackout?
Batteries can store surplus energy generated during the day and provide this stored energy during a blackout. It’s important to discuss your options with your solar consultant and have them clarify the distinction between Storage and Backup (or Emergency Power Supplies – EPS).
6. How does selling back to the grid work?
As long as you’re grid-connected, and have a smart meter installed, you will be able to sell back to the grid. The rate at which you get credited for exported power depends on the retailer you are signed up with and is always lower than it costs for you to purchase from the grid. To maximise ROI on your system you should aim to use 60% or more of the power generated.
7. How long will my solar system last?
Solar systems are engineered to last for more than 25 years, as evidenced by the warranties issued by many panel manufacturers. Some battery solutions also come with an impressive 10 to 15 year warranty – depending on the supplier.
8. Do Solar Panels work in Ireland?
Yes, solar PV systems will still generate electricity when there is daylight, so they will still function on overcast days in Ireland. Solar panels will perform at their best in direct sunlight and therefore solar PV systems in Ireland will typically produce less than other, sunnier countries such as Spain.
9. Do I need planning permission to install solar PV on my roof?
Solar PV systems installed in a setting under 50 sq. m (and representing less than 50% of the total roof area) are exempt from planning. Larger solar PV systems in a business or industrial setting will typically require planning permission.
10. How Can I Determine if my Home is Suitable for Solar Panels
- ROOF ORIENTATION – Roofs should face south ideally to get the most sunlight – though not entirely necessary. A roof pitch between 30 to 40 degrees is considered optimal for solar power generation.
- EVALUATE ROOF SHADING – Trees, buildings, or other structures casting shadows can greatly reduce the amount of electricity your panels can generate. A site survey by a professional can help determine the impact of shading on your potential solar installation.
- ROOF CONDITION & SPACE – Before installation, ensure your roof is in good condition and can support the weight of the solar panels. You’ll need a relatively large, unobstructed area to accommodate the panels, which should be factored into your planning.
- CHECK IF YOU MAY NEED PLANNING PERMISSION – In Ireland, while solar panels may not require planning permission if they meet certain criteria, it’s always advisable to check with your local authority – especially if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
11. What Should I Consider when Choosing a Solar Installer for my Home?
- Specialisation – Does the company specialise specifically in solar?
- Monitoring – Do they offer monitoring for your solar system?
- System Ownership – Do you own the system after it’s installed?
- In-House Team – Is their service delivered by a fully in-house team or do they use subcontractors?
- Product Quality – Do they only use top quality products with full warranties?
- BER Included – Does the solar installations company cover the BER assessment?
- Battery Composition – Are their batteries cobalt-free?
- Engineering Support – Do they have in-house engineers?
- Initial Information – Have they asked for your power bill or new build plans?
- Local – Are they a local installation company with quick response times?
- Customer Reviews – Do they have good reviews and customer testimonials?
- Customer Support Do they have ongoing in-house customer support well beyond your install?
12. Does my PV system require regular maintenance?
PV systems are low-maintenance, but not zero maintenance. The most important aspect is to monitor the performance of your system regularly. This could simply be a routine check of your inverter to see that the system is operational (e.g. no red blinking lights) and that the energy meter is increasing each day.
You should get an idea from your installer about how much the PV system should generate each year, and see that your system is generating close to that amount. Some suppliers will provide you with access to this information via your smartphone.
13 How much do solar panels cost?
Broadly speaking home PV systems should range from around €1,500 – €2,000 per kW installed (ex-VAT). However, prices will vary depending on a range of factors including
- the hardware chosen
- size of system
- accessibility of the roof or site
- and the installer used
14. How Much Electricity Can I Expect my panels to generate?
The most common silicon solar panels typically 1 sq. m of panels will generate ~150W of power on a clear sunny day (that’s enough to power a laptop computer).
A home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) would generate around 2,600kWh of electricity a year if well-located, over 40% of the typical annual electricity demand of an Irish home.
15. What is the Cost of Solar Panel Installation in Ireland?
On average, homeowners can expect to spend between €4,000 and €12,000 for a residential solar panel system. This price range typically covers the cost of the panels themselves, inverters, mounting hardware, wiring, and the installation labour.
Source: EPower
