According to Statista, solar panels in Ireland experienced a 33% surge in energy production between 2020 and 2021. The same study predicts a 3.84% increase from now until 2028 for Ireland. Although this growth may not appear as substantial as recent trends, the numbers strongly indicate Ireland's exponential growth of solar panels and renewable energy. There are compelling reasons behind this trend, as we will explore shortly.
At Wattcharger, we are steadfast in our commitment to giving Irish homeowners excellent advice on renewable energy sources. While our focus primarily revolves around EV charging technology, we are equally dedicated to advancing the use of solar panels in Ireland and educating the public about their exceptional advantages.
Solar panels that harness electricity are referred to as solar photovoltaic panels or solar PV for short. PV panels differ from solar thermal collectors in that they generate energy rather than solely heating water using solar energy.
In this guide, Wattcharger aims to offer a concise point of reference for homeowners in Ireland, helping them integrate solar technology into their lives and maximize its benefits. By delving into the science behind this exciting technology and exploring various schemes and grants available, readers can gain extensive knowledge about solar panels and their wide range of functionalities.
The sun's radiant energy is captured by the silicon semiconductors on the solar photovoltaic panels. Protons collide with atoms within the silicon, generating a robust electrical current that is then channeled through wiring and safeguarded by an exterior junction box.
In Ireland, three main types of panels are widely used. The first type is thin film panels, created by spraying the panel's surface with a semiconductor material, resulting in an incredibly thin film. Conversely, monocrystalline panels are constructed from a single silicon crystal, while polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon fragments. Although polycrystalline options are generally less efficient, they are also usually more affordable.
Contrary to popular belief, energy can be harvested even on cloudy days. By utilizing a power diverter, excess energy can be redirected to heat water. Moreover, the integration of lithium-ion batteries within the panels enables energy storage for overnight use.
Once the electric current is generated, it passes through a solar inverter that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), enabling the power to flow into homes and businesses. AC conversion is a standard electrical current observed in the EV charging domain.
The peak energy output of solar power photovoltaic panels is measured in kWp. When harnessing energy from sunlight, 1 kWp typically equates to around 1000 kWh per year. Peak performance can be influenced by weather conditions and the panel's orientation, such as being south-facing.
With the sun expected to shine for at least another five billion years, investing in solar panels offers unparalleled future-proof benefits. As a virtually infinite power source, especially when compared to fossil fuel alternatives, solar energy produces zero fossil fuel emissions and has a negligible impact on the environment.
As mentioned earlier, the prevalence of solar panels is increasing in Ireland, partly due to the implementation of several grant schemes by the Irish Government. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland oversees the promotion and facilitation of sustainable energy sources, including solar panels and solar energy.
One of the most valuable grants to be aware of is the SEAI's Home Solar Electricity Grant. Homeowners can receive up to €2,400 in grant money, but there are important eligibility criteria to consider:
Upon completing the initial work, the total kWh hour generated by the solar system determines the amount of grant money the homeowner is eligible for. The total kWp, which measures the maximum energy output of a solar panel system, determines the grant amount allocated by the SEAI grant scheme. The bullets below outline the available grant amounts based on system output (kWh):
After the installation is finished, the benefits become evident quite quickly. The Wicklow Wolf Brewery in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, serves as a thriving example. They installed 1,580 sq m of solar PV panels on their roof, generating approximately 120 kW. As a result, the brewery produces around 107,000 kW per year and saves 60% on its electricity bill.
Furthermore, in December of last year, the Irish Government introduced the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme, which offers funding for solar panels on Irish farms. Under this exciting initiative, the State provides up to 60% of the funding, capped at €90,000.
By exploring solar energy options, homeowners can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with self-sufficient energy generation. This means that even during grid issues, your home infrastructure remains unaffected.
Building Energy Rating Certificates (BERCs) evaluate energy efficiency in Irish homes. Homes with high efficiency receive an A-Rating, while those with poor efficiency receive a G-Rating. Installing solar panels is a known method to improve the BER rating, consequently increasing the value of the home. To learn more about BER ratings, your carbon footprint, and how to improve yours, you can visit Berwow's free BER calculator.
Fortunately, in Ireland, there is no requirement for planning permission to install solar PV panels. Prior to October 2022, homeowners needed to apply for a special planning permit if the panel size exceeded 12 square meters for homes or 50 square meters for businesses.
While the installation process for solar panels is relatively deregulated, especially when compared to home EV charger installations, there are a few exceptions and restrictions in specific circumstances. These exceptions apply to installations in close proximity to airports, emergency facilities, or military installations, and usually require some form of permission for installations larger than 300 square meters.
However, just because you have the legal right to install panels yourself does not mean you should. The installation process is highly technical and potentially dangerous. There is a risk of personal injury and electrocution, so it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional. Don't hesitate to rely on Wattcharger's team of qualified experts.
As mentioned earlier, the kilowatt-peak (kWp) is the crucial metric to consider when determining the system size. For an average 2-bedroom home in Ireland, a 3.28 kWp solar panel array can generate nearly 2,900 kWh of energy per year, which is more than sufficient for a family of four.
Of course, larger residences will require more power. In Ireland, a typical solar panel has a capacity of 5 kWh. While larger homes and businesses may necessitate a larger system, most private residences in Ireland can generate approximately 4,500 kWh per year using a 5 kWh panel. On average, a 2 kW solar panel system costs around €5,000, with 5 kW models reaching up to approximately €10,000. Larger panels, such as 9 kW systems, may cost up to €16,000 but are primarily used by businesses.
By utilizing the energy generated by solar PV panels, homeowners in Ireland can make significant savings on their energy bills. To heat water, solar energy is absorbed through fluid in copper pipes and circulated to the hot water tank. The heat generated by the solar panels can then raise the temperature of the tank throughout the day. This system, known as solar thermal, has the potential to save homeowners thousands by eliminating the need for a gas-heated water tank.
By incorporating lithium-ion battery storage, excess energy generated on particularly sunny days can be stored and used overnight. However, one of the most exciting aspects of owning solar panels is yet to be mentioned.
Through Electric Ireland's Microgeneration Scheme, Irish homeowners and business owners have the unique opportunity to sell surplus energy back to the grid. By signing up for this scheme, homeowners can expect to receive a price of between €0.18 and €0.25 per kWh from suppliers such as SSE, Electric Ireland, Energia, and Bord Gais for the energy they sell back.
Furthermore, groundbreaking advancements in the electric vehicle (EV) industry now allow solar energy to be utilized for charging vehicles. Zappi enables users to power their vehicles using 100% renewable energy. Through the innovative Zappi app, users can utilize the ECO+ mode, drawing energy directly from wind or solar infrastructure.
One of the top-performing solar panels and batteries available in the Irish market is Solarwatt, designed by BMW. These panels prioritize durability and efficiency.
Like any technological device, solar panels require maintenance. However, the future-proof capability of harnessing power from the sun, combined with a lifespan of over ten years in most cases, ensures that your solar panels will serve you well for years to come.
If you have any inquiries about solar panels or wish to purchase a system of your own, please feel free to contact WattCharger using the form provided below.