Solar Photovoltaic Panels (PV)

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels use the sun’s energy to convert daylight directly into electricity which is a source of renewable energy. It’s all about light not heat! Solar panel systems are given a rating in kWp (kilowatts peak) which is essentially the rate at which they generate energy at peak performance under ideal conditions, for example around noon on a sunny day.  The kWp of domestic solar systems depends on the size of the system, the direction it is facing and the installation angle.

An inverter is required to convert the generated electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC)  which is compatible with the electricity grid. Your installer must apply to ESB Networks before installing a solar PV system.  From 3 kWp a battery storage is recommended, so that the excess electricity generated during daytime hours can be used at another time.  Installing Solar PV panels is not an invasive construction project. When roof mounted, these panels are fixed to the roof on a specially designed mounting kit. Home installations can be completed in one day. There is a solar electricity grant available for houses built and occupied before 2021.

The government has launched a Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in February 2022, which will make homeowners eligible to receive a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff for any exported excess electricity into the ESB grid at a competitive market rate from their electricity supplier. Please contact your electricity provider for more details.

Solar Thermal

Solar thermal collectors produce heat. The sun’s heat heats the water or fluid which passes through the flat plate panels or evacuated tubes and then feeds into a sufficient sized hot store / cylinder. Solar thermal collectors can cover up to 60% of your overall hot water demand. It’s fairly straight forward: renewable and carbon free! There is a solar thermal grant available for houses built and occupied before 2021. The product (panel / tube) must be on the SEAI registered product list and supply 10 kWh/m2/yr.

Check out the grants sections for available SEAI’s Better Energy Home grants! 

Or get in contact with Susanna BER Assessor for advice!