Solar panels are naturally most efficient on sunny days because of the direct sunlight being harnessed. However, even during bad weather conditions, solar panels will still generate power as solar cells are usually powered by light and not heat.
US-backed research has shown that high heat may actually cause solar panels to work less efficiently. Nevertheless, today’s technology requires rigorous testing of solar panels to ensure high efficiency and effectiveness.
For solar panels to be certified for installation on an Irish home, they’re subjected to rigorous reliability tests which include; dump heat tests, thermal cycling, and humidity freeze, among others.
This means that solar energy can be harnessed in all areas of the world, unlike some other sources like fossil fuels.
Meeting your energy needs with your own installed solar energy system will cut your energy bills.
Our solar installers will produce a report for your home using bespoke software that uses your location to determine the potential output of your system. Determining factors include, location, system size and roof orientation; south-facing is best but east-west orientation also works very well.
Solar Panel RebatesWhen your system is connected to the national grid and you generate more electricity than you require, the extra energy is sent back to the grid. If you’re signed up to our Microgen Export plan you’ll be paid for this in the form of credit on your bill.
If your system generates less energy than is required, the grid can also use the extra energy sent there to meet the deficit.
Solar energy systems have no moving parts like wind turbines, which means that wear and tear are eliminated. The inverter and the batteries are the only components that may require to be changed in about 5-10 years.
The lower maintenance cost of solar panels means lower system costs, and more savings for you in the long run.
Like anything with a list of pros, there are also some cons to consider when deciding if solar is for you.
The cost includes paying for solar panels, an inverter, batteries, system wiring, and the installation fee. However, as with all new technologies, prices will continue to reduce over time. There are also govern-ment grants available to make the initial costs more manageable.
While solar panels do generate energy during cloudy and rainy days, they may not be enough to meet your home’s energy requirements.
Of course, any power deficit can be comfortably met with battery-stored energy or from the excess en-ergy sent to the energy grid.
Naturally, solar panels work best during summer months, with less solar energy produced during winter months. The main reason for this is how long the sun shines (as much as 18 hours a day in summer and as little as 8 in winter months) and how high the sun is in the sky (again, much lower during winter).
The more energy you need to produce, the more solar panels will be required. This means that a stand-ard house roof may not be enough to install all the solar panels required.
However, our installers will always assess your home or business before installation takes place and will advise you on the best solution for your home.
The government see solar energy as a long-term method of broadening the sustainable energy mix in Ireland so have several incentives in place to help Irish consumers switch to solar energy.
The SEAI solar electricity grant is most relevant if you’re considering getting a solar PV system installed with us.
This grant can help you with the costs of installing solar PV panels in your home to generate renewable electricity.All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2021 can apply.This is defined as the date your electricity meter was installed and is different to other grant measures where the home must be built before 2011.
Before you invest in solar PV, familiarise yourself with the contents of the Solar PV Scheme Application Guide which includes the Terms and Conditions of the scheme.
Solar Panel MaintenanceYes, the SEAI offers grants for solar panel installation to homeowners in Ireland under the Microgeneration Support Scheme.