You’ve heard about the financial benefits of solar panels, and you may have noticed more and more dotted across the roofs of Irish homes in recent years.
 
But perhaps you’re still not sold on them? Are solar panels, in a country where it rains over 30% of the year, worth it? There’s a lot to understand, too - from the science, the return of investment, to installation and cost.
 
This blog will cover the basics of solar panels; how they work, the different types you can choose from, how they’re installed – and why they might just be worth the hype.
 

Do solar panels work in Ireland?

Yes. The sun’s energy can penetrate even on a very cloudy day. Solar PV panels work by absorbing daylight and converting it into electricity or heat, and daylight levels in Ireland are very good. We have similar daylight hours to Germany, one of the biggest solar producers in the world. Indeed, researchers in University College Cork have concluded that a quarter of all the electricity needed by Irish households could be produced by putting solar panels on domestic rooftops.
 
Around 75% of the annual energy from a solar PV system is produced from May-September The amount of electricity generated annually will depend on a range of factors, including the hardware chosen, the size of the system, the geographic location and the direction in which the panels are installed. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 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.
 

Are solar panels worth it in Ireland?

With the recent hike in Irish energy prices, more consumers are turning to alternative energy solutions. But how much can you save by investing in solar? Variables like panel size and number, whether or not you install a battery and how much electricity you use, can affect the total amount saved.
 
You can use the SEAI’s Payback Calculator for Domestic Solar PV tool to work out how much you could save on your annual electricity bill by installing solar panels.
 
For example, a homeowner based in Dublin with panels installed on a south facing roof can save up to €329 per year on their energy bills, with an estimated payback period of 11 years. This does not include the additional savings which can be achieved by using storage technologies.
 

For the very first time, from June 2022, Irish consumers can choose to sell any surplus energy back to the national energy grid, which could further increase their savings.
 
In October 2022, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, announced changes to the rules relating to the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of houses. There is no limit to the area of solar panels which can be installed on rooftops of homes. Solar installations will be able to cover the entire roof of a house, with the 12sqm/ 50% roof limit which previously applied to houses has been removed.The changes, which take immediate effect, are aimed at increasing Ireland’s generation of solar energy and combating climate change.
 
 

Solar PV Panels vs Solar Thermal Panels

There are two main types of solar panels: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal panels. The main difference is that one produces electricity, while the other produces heat.
 
Solar PV panels are commonly used in Ireland and have photovoltaic materials, or solar cells, that convert light into electricity. PV panels can fetch a higher grant value than thermals, (approx. €3,000 vs €1,200) are cheaper to install, and are more easily maintained. Unlike thermal panels, they can help power every electrical appliance in your home and allow you sell surplus energy back to the grid should you want to.
 
Solar Thermal Panels use mirrors to direct sunlight toward a specific spot, where it is used to boil water. Thermal panels can be beneficial if you use a lot of hot water and have little or no roof space, as they are considerably smaller than PV panels. Sometimes, you can use both types of panels at the same time.
 

Solar Hot Water System

There are two ways to use solar panels to heat your water.
 
Solar Thermal Panels: The first, as we’ve mentioned, is to install a solar thermal panel, which will use sunlight to directly heat your water.
 
Solar Power Divertors: A solar panel power diverter takes surplus electricity from your solar PV panel and sends it to your immersion heater. Heated water can then be stored for many hours until it’s needed. 
 

Using a Battery vs Solar Export Payments

Installing a battery allows you to store any surplus energy absorbed by your solar panels during the day. You can use it to run your household or charge your car, and you won’t have to rely on much energy from the grid – so you can be nearly self-reliant and fossil-free.
 
From June 2022, you will be able to profit from any surplus energy you generate from your solar panels, by selling it back to your electricity supplier. Prices for exported electricity can be negotiated between electricity suppliers and consumers.
 

Solar Panel Installation

Choosing the right company to complete your solar panel installation is important. Credit unions, in partnership with Energia and House 2 Home, have launched CU Greener Homes, a one-stop-solution for all your home energy upgrades.
 
Using the Home Energy Efficiency Calculator on the CU Greener Homes website, you can find out:

1. The cost of solar energy for your home

2. The grant support which you may be eligible for

3. The cost of credit union finance to help you fund the project

4. The impact of the work on the energy efficiency of your home

Get a Quote for Solar Panels today.
 

A Green Home Improvement Loan

If you need any help to fund a warmer, greener home, take to your local credit union about a green home improvement loan today, or submit an online loan enquiry by clicking here.