Solar Panel Installation

The most obvious part. Each individual solar PV panel is known as a module. The multiple panels are wired together into a solar PV array which will collectively absorb solar energy and convert it into electricity.

Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight as direct current (DC), which needs to be converted before it is of use. The solar inverter converts the DC electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity which can be used in your house.

Single string inverters will meet your home requirements, and send and surplus power back to the grid. A hybrid inverter is better for diverting excess power to battery storage, car charging, or other needs before.

Solar energy is not constant. Sometimes your solar array will only be generating a portion of the electricity you use, and other times it will be in excess of what you need. Having a solar battery system will ensure that excess electricity is kept for future use rather than going to waste.

An optional extra for your solar PV system, a power diverter monitors your electricity usage, and sends excess power to the immersion heater in your boiler. Using solar power for water heating can further reduce your energy bills, and dependency on fossil fuels.

The solar panel installation process will be handled by your chosen installer, but it never hurts to familiarise yourself with the steps involved.

While it may technically be possible for people to install their own solar PV systems, it is highly recommended that you leave the job to a qualified installer.

Solar energy installation is a complicated task that will require heavy physical labour on your rooftop, and extensive knowledge of electrical wiring to connect the system.

In addition, in order to qualify for SEAI grant funding, the solar system must be installed by a registered contractor, so you could be losing out on up to €2,100 if you do it yourself.

How much solar panels cost depends on a number of factors including the type of panels purchased, challenges with the installation process, whether you purchase any add-ons, and any grant funding available.

Solar PV technology has come along way in recent years, with the cost of solar panels falling dramatically in the past decade as investment in the sector has skyrocketed.

Another good piece of news for Irish homeowners thinking of making the switch has been the abolition of VAT for domestic solar energy, which could save as much as €1,000 for the average homeowner.

Obviously you want to buy good quality solar panels with a high efficiency to ensure you’re getting the best value for money, and the best energy output they can produce.

The cost of your solar panels will be affected by the type of solar panel technology you choose to go with.

The most efficient, and thus most expensive type of solar panel, mono-crystalline panels are made from a single silicon crystal. They produce the most electricity per square metre, with an efficiency of around 17% – 23%, and thus will take up less roof space overall.

Easy to produce, and flexible unlike other varieties of solar panel, Thin-Film panels are made by layering a film of photovoltaic material over a substrate, or several layers of film. They are less efficient than any type of crystalline panel, with most reaching around a maximum of 15%, and have a shorter lifespan. However, they are also the cheapest variety commonly used in home installations.

Made from melting multiple silicon crystal fragments together, this is a faster and cheaper process, but results in a less efficient solar panel which produces less energy. They have an average efficiency of around 13% -17%, and a shorter lifespan than monocrystalline panels.

One good piece of news for homeowners is that planning permission is no longer required for rooftop solar panels in Ireland, aside from a few restrictions depending on your location.

In most areas homeowners and businesses are allowed to erect unlimited amounts of rooftop solar panels without needing planning permission.

In 43 Solar Safeguarding Zones (SSZs) near airports, aerodromes, and helipads, solar panel installations of up to 300m² are allowed without needing planning permission.

For ground-mounted solar PV panels, up to 25m² worth of panels can be erected without planning permission for private houses, and 75m² for all other types of buildings except apartments.

Speak with a member of our team and determine the type of solar that best suits your situation

Solar panel maintenance costs are typically low, needing little but to be kept clean. The year round Irish climate of rain also tends to make them very effective at self-cleaning here.

Your solar panels should also be inspected every five years of so by an installer to ensure that all is in working order.

However, before doing any cleaning or other maintenance on your solar panels, make sure that you consult their warranty conditions to ensure that this doesn’t void the warranty.

The average warranty for solar panels covers them for most of their effective lifespan, so it could be better value to leave them be.

Get a FREE quote today on what it would cost to have solar panels installed on your home.

Find out why thousands of Irish home owners are making the switch to solar energy.