Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) modules, convert sunlight into electricity. They come in various types, including mono-crystalline silicon panels, multi-crystalline silicon panels, and thin-film panels. Each type has its unique efficiency and cost, with mono-crystalline silicon panels typically being the most efficient.
Solar Panels in Ireland
Solar panels work efficiently in Ireland, despite the country’s reputation for overcast skies. They generate electricity whenever there’s daylight, even on cloudy days. A home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) can generate around 2,600kWh of electricity a year if well-located, covering over 40% of an Irish home’s typical annual electricity demand.
The cost of solar panels has significantly decreased over the past decade, with home PV systems ranging from around €1,500 – €2,000 per kW installed (ex-VAT).
Determining the Number of Solar Panels Needed
The number of solar panels you need primarily depends on your household’s energy consumption.
On average, a home in Ireland uses about 4,200 kWh of electricity annually. A well-located solar PV system at 20 sq. m (~3kW) can generate around 2,600kWh of electricity annually. Such a system could cover over 60% of a typical Irish home’s annual electricity demand.
However, this is a rough estimate, and the actual number can vary based on several factors:
Energy Consumption: The first step in determining how many solar panels you need is to look at your electricity bills to understand your energy consumption. The higher your energy usage, the more solar panels you’ll need to offset your electricity costs.
Solar Panel Efficiency: Not all solar panels are created equal. Some panels can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than others. Higher-efficiency panels generate more electricity per square foot than lower-efficiency panels, so you can use fewer to generate the same amount of power.
Sunlight Exposure: The amount of sunlight your home receives can significantly impact how much electricity your solar panels can generate. In Ireland, south-facing roofs are considered the best for solar panel installation because they get the most sunlight throughout the day. However, east or west-facing roofs can also be suitable.
Roof Size and Orientation: The size and orientation of your roof will also determine how many panels you can install. A larger roof can accommodate more panels, and a roof that faces directly south will allow the panels to capture more sunlight.
Energy Goals: Your energy goals will also influence the number of needed panels. If you want to offset all your electricity usage with solar power, you’ll need more panels than if you only want to offset a portion of your usage.
Installation of Solar Panels
Before installing solar panels, you need to consider the age and condition of your roof, its orientation, and any potential shading from nearby trees or buildings.
In Ireland, solar PV systems installed in a domestic setting under 12 sq. m (representing less than 50% of the total roof area) are exempt from planning. The installation involves fixing the roof’s solar panels and connecting them to an inverter within your house or attic. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the system’s optimal performance.
Maximising Solar Panel Efficiency
To maximise the efficiency of your solar panels, you can install a ‘diverter switch’ that diverts any unused electricity to heat your hot water in your immersion tank. Alternatively, you can install a battery storage system that stores any potential exported electric energy for later use.
Solar Panel Support in Ireland
In Ireland, several supports are available for solar PV, including the Domestic Solar PV Grant, Home Renovation Incentive, and the Deep Retrofit Pilot. These supports can offset the cost of installing solar panels and make them a more viable option for homeowners.
Solar Farms in Ireland
Solar farms, large arrays of solar panels installed in fields or other large spaces, are becoming more common in Ireland. These farms feed all the generated power to the electricity grid. Approximately 4-5 acres of land is required for each Megawatt (MW) solar panel installation.
Final Thoughts
Considerations for calculating the number of solar panels you require in Ireland include the following:
- Your energy usage.
- The size and orientation of your roof.
- The kind of solar panels you select.
Solar panels are becoming a more appealing alternative for households in Ireland thanks to the support provided and the falling cost of these technologies.
FAQs
Despite Ireland’s reputation for overcast skies, solar panels work efficiently. They generate electricity during daylight, not just when it’s sunny. A well-located home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) can generate around 2,600kWh of electricity annually, covering over 40% of an Irish home’s typical annual electricity demand.
The number of solar panels you need depends on several factors, including your home’s size, your energy consumption, and your property’s geographical location. The orientation of the panels also plays a crucial role in maximising their efficiency.
The installation involves fixing the solar panels on your roof and connecting them to an inverter within your house or attic. Before installing solar panels, you need to consider the age and condition of your roof, its orientation, and any potential shading from nearby trees or buildings. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the system’s optimal performance.
In Ireland, several supports are available for solar PV, including the Domestic Solar PV Grant, Home Renovation Incentive, and the Deep Retrofit Pilot. These supports can offset the cost of installing solar panels and make them a more viable option for homeowners.
