'I save money using solar energy in my home. I wish every family in Ireland could'

A new survey on solar energy shines a light on a still misunderstood renewable, writes Kya deLongchamps

Solar PV has high upfront costs but SEAI-managed grant aid remains relatively high at €2,100, with an increasingly short payback time for these systems, writes Kya deLongchamps. File pictures

As a wildly enthusiastic (probably slight annoying), early adopter of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels, I developed some loose assumptions regarding the technology as being mainstream and well understood by most householders. But a recent market survey reveals the need for further information on access to this standalone, energy improvement, and to fairly promote its proven performance in Irish conditions.

While direct sunshine does generate more electricity, Ireland is actually considered to be located in 'Goldilocks' zone for solar energy. 

A study conducted by Energy Efficiency (energyefficiency.ie) of  2,954 Irish homeowners and renters found there is a growing interest in solar energy, with almost 100% of respondents viewing solar energy in a positive light, and a third of people wanting to get panels in the next two years.

“When asked what is preventing them from going solar sooner, 63.7% of homeowners and renters said the biggest barrier is high upfront costs, despite grants and other incentives such as the removal of VAT. But surprisingly, only 64.4% of those surveyed were aware of the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) home solar panel grant, which currently offer homeowners up to €2,100 towards a solar installation. 

"Another concern was the infamous Irish weather, with 16.9% of people saying that they were worried that the Irish climate may not be suitable for solar panels.”

Solar PV does not require uninterrupted sunshine, but surprisingly Ireland does get 1,1000-1,600 hours of sunshine each year. File pictures

A total of 522 respondents (17.7%) to the survey by energyeffiency.ie had solar panels installed — and all but one said that it has been a good financial decision, and almost all of those people said they would recommend solar to family and friends. The average solar installation cost was €9,095, with the cheapest installation at €4,000 and the highest costing €17,000.

The upfront capital cost of solar PV remains high, and the SEAI grant aid is inadequate for most families to blithely leap to sustainable solar-powered systems without taking out a green loan or rolling it back into a remortgage. I find it frustrating that a large number of members of the public are not aware of SEAI support. Whether you take on a solar-PV project or want to fluff your attic insulation to 300mm this summer, a visit to the SEAI’s grant pages should be mandated reading for every house owner and landlord.

New unsecured government-backed loan products launched to market this spring start at €5,000 with very low interest rates. Permanent TSB, the first bank to join the scheme, offers an interest rate of just 3.55%. Access to affordable finance has never been easier, and there are free installation possibilities through the SEAI managed Warmer Homes Scheme for householders on certain welfare payments.

Energyefficiency.ie describes itself as Ireland’s leading provider of information and support for “all things energy”. With a register of trusted partner firms vetted in-house, it  compares electricity providers’ rates, gives expert advice on all things solar, and connects Irish households with solar installers.

Some of its recent survey results were surprising, including that almost 17% of people thinking our climate is unsuitable for solar PV, according to James Dorrian, managing director of energyefficiency.ie. “This misconception presumably stems from the number of rainy and dull days we get here,” says Mr Dorrian. 

But while direct sunshine does generate more electricity, Ireland is actually considered to be located in “Goldilocks” zone for solar energy, he adds. "This is because excessive heat or cold can affect the efficiency of solar panels over time, and our moderate climate is therefore perfect for PV. While solar panels don’t actually need direct, unobstructed sunshine to generate electricity, Ireland surprisingly gets 1,100-1,600 hours of sunshine each year.”

I have a less-than-ideal east/west-orientated array, and it’s not a big at 4.2kWp. We are laughing for most of the year, and with the Micro-generation Support Scheme (returning every excess kW to the grid at 24c with our supplier Energia), our standing charges have been largely wiped out. 

I tick over most days with scattered cloud, filling my 6.5kWh battery to see me through the evenings for ten months of the year, and downloading cheap kWhs in the battery from the grid during the winter using time-of-use tariffs and a smart meter. A well detailed solar-PV system is a fantastic addition, and I only wish every family in Ireland could enjoy one.

Public cynicism towards renewable technology and even the veracity of SEAI-managed grant aid remains high. Where numbers can be fudged, misunderstood and widely disparate on social media discussion groups, energyefficiency.ie includes an excellent guide to solar-PV installation pricing based on house types and size. The prices are bracketed, of course. 

There are all sorts of details that will influence a solar-PV quote from roof orientation to shading. These and their other guides don’t over-reach, and their real-time information flows back from these partner firms and their laudable independent surveys.

Their advice on pricing an installation for solar PV in 2024 is to multiply each kW by €1,200-€1,600. “For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house, a 10-panel solar system could cost around €6,000 after the maximum grant of €2,100 is deducted. A high quality 10-panel solar system of 4.4kWp (on the roof) would require around 20sq m of roof space. This could generate up to 3,800 kWh per year on south-facing roofs, meaning they have a payback period of under six years.”

Yes, that’s still a lot of money, and that’s not including any sort of battery or water diverter. Your quote will be tailored to your home and your needs.

James Dorrian, energyefficiency.ie.

When researching solar PV or any energy upgrade, you should always explore the source. I’m not expected a company representing top members of the industry (paying to join a registry), to tell me not to get a heat pump, or to fight shy of external insulation. However, in this case, the general information for anyone looking towards an energy upgrade or suspicious of the process, is comprehensive, fair and in my view — accurate. 

As stated on the tin, the reviews do read as unbiased and determinedly balanced. Sourcing multiple quotes for renewables and technology installs on one site? Very useful.

There’s no shying away from the challenges of dragging much of our ageing house stock even close to the higher energy efficiency standards seen in new housing. I really appreciate energyefficiency.ie abandoning the typical relentless cheery marketing spin, as they boldly confront public “concerns and doubts” regarding the often confusing and intimidating process of energy renovation. The result is a honey-hole of well-researched editorials and transparent guides covering grants, incentives, regulation, financing and pricing — all relevant to the Irish market.

On your personal journey to sustainable living, I’d always advise householders and landlords to start with the forensic, independent guides and support available from the SEAI, seai.ie. However, don’t be afraid to look a little further for other valuable resources to light the way. Find out more about Energy Efficiency, its services and partner firms in your at energyefficiency.ie.