Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular addition to Irish homes, with the potential to save homeowners hundreds of euros each year on their electricity bills.
However, in order to maximise their savings homeowners should ensure that they choose an electricity provider and plan which best suits their electricity consumption and generation.
The average household in Ireland uses 4,200kWh of electricity per year, and a good solar PV system should be able to generate 50% – 75% of that.
There are three ways that solar panels can save homeowners money.
These factors must be considered when choosing between different electricity providers, and the plans they have available.
The ratio of how much of your solar electricity is used in your home versus how much is sent back to the grid will also influence your decision when comparing electricity plans.
If a household uses almost all of its solar electricity then it makes sense to prioritise getting the cheapest rates for those hours when they are not producing power.
However, if a solar PV system is large enough, or your daytime electricity usage is low enough, that a large portion of its power is not used in your home, then it makes sense to give greater weight to the price electricity providers are offering to buy your surplus.
Additionally, if homeowners have a battery storage system installed it can help to further reduce their electricity consumption from the grid.
Reducing Electricity Consumption
Solar PV panels generate electricity during the day, with the greatest gains coming in the afternoon when the sun is highest.
This means that your daytime electricity usage from the grid will be reduced, and homeowners should select an electricity plan with that in mind.
If you have solar panels then you should be signed up to an electricity plan with a night rate at the very least, so that you are paying less for electricity when your solar panels are non productive.
24hr plans which have a single electricity tariff throughout the day should be avoided, as there are better prices available through Nightsaver and Smart plans with different time of use tariffs.
Selling Surplus Electricity
Unless homeowners have a battery storage system or a power diverter such as an Eddi, then any excess electricity generated by their solar panels is sent back to the grid.
Solar panel owners can earn money selling their surplus electricity through the Microgeneration Support Scheme.
The feed in tariff offered for your surplus electricity is set by the providers, and these rates can change over time.
| Energy Supplier | Price per kWh | Payment Schedule |
| Pinergy | 25c | Monthly Credit |
| Energia | 24c | Credit as Per Billing Cycle |
| Flogas | 20c | Credit as Per Billing Cycle |
| Electric Ireland | 19.5c | Credit as Per Billing Cycle |
| SSE Airtricity | 19.5c | Twice Yearly Credit |
| Bord Gáis | 18.5c | Twice Yearly Credit |
| Yuno Energy | 15.89c | Twice Yearly Credit |
| Prepay Power | 15.89c | Twice Yearly Credit |
Solar Battery Storage
Another option for excess solar power is to have it stored in a battery system for later use rather than selling it back to the grid.
This can be a more lucrative option in the long run, since the price electricity providers pay for your surplus is always lower than the cost of electricity from the grid.
However, a solar battery will add to the initial cost of the system, which will have to be paid back over time.
Adding a 5kW solar battery to your PV system will add somewhere between €1,700 and €2,500 to its cost. This makes it a better choice for larger solar PV systems with greater excess power than smaller ones which would take much longer to recoup the cost.
If you have a battery installed alongside solar panels then it would be advantageous to sign up for an electricity plan with a night boost rate. These plans offer extremely discounted electricity during the early hours of the morning.
Best Night Boost Plans for Solar Batteries
| Electricity Supplier | Plan | Night Boost Tariff | Night Boost Time |
| Pinergy | Lifestyle EV Drive Time | 5.45c per kWh | 2am – 5am |
| SSE Airtricity | Smart EV Charge | 8.578c per kWh | 2am – 5am |
| Energia | Smart Drive | 8.873c per kWh | 2am – 6am |
| Bord Gais | Smart EV Electricity | 9.309c per kWh | 2am – 5am |
| Electric Ireland | Home Electric+ Night Boost | 10.519c per kWh | 2am – 4am |
What else should be considered when selecting an electricity plan?
An electricity plan is typically a contract for the next 12 months, and there are multiple factors which will affect your annual electricity bill in that time.
Discounts
Beyond their basic rates, different electricity plans will typically offer a wide range of discounts on those rates. These discounts can change frequently, so it is important to keep them in mind when calculating what you will actually be paying.
Welcome Bonus
Electricity providers will frequently try to attract new customers by offering welcome bonuses. These can be anything from €50 to €200 or more. Larger bonuses can have a significant impact on the annual bill of people who switch providers regularly.
Start Saving Now
Get a free quote now to hear from Ireland’s top rated solar installers on how much you can save with solar, or look at which electricity plans can save you money.
