Let the sunshine in: Surge in demand for solar-PV among Irish homeowners 

There were 10,000 applications for the solar-PV grant in the first three months of this year. We discover the reasons for the dazzling domestic demand

The national electric average for electricity use (three-bed semi-D) is 4200kWh per year without an EV charge or heat pump (HP). Even a modest PV-solar array can clip a healthy percentage from year-round use by putting credit on a bill. File pictures

I admit, I have deep, disturbing solar-photovoltaic (solar-PV) envy. In 2019, my 4.2kWp array and 6.5kWh battery were considered a larger solar system. I even threw down money on a solar water diverter (Eddie by MyEnergy). Now, despite very welcome savings, my system is a flame-faced tiddler.

How about 60kWh-80kWh-plus in solar gain in a single spring or summer’s day? This delivers a whopping figure in excess kWh back to the grid as credit on a bill, while running the house in real time, topping multiple batteries, and powering a heat-pump or an electric car (EV).