Frequently Asked Questions

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The term ‘solar panel’ can refer to a wide range of solar technologies. It is often used interchangeably between the panels that generate electricity and those that generate heat. Solar panels which produce electricity are referred to in the industry as ‘solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.’ These are panels made from materials which generate DC electricity when exposed to light.

Yes, solar PV systems will still generate electricity when there is daylight, so they will still function on overcast days in Ireland. In these conditions they will not be able to produce power at their maximum rated capacity (the figure in kilowatts (kW), rather at some fraction of this figure.  A home solar PV system sized at 20 sq.m (~3kW) would generate around 2,600kWh of electricity a year if well-located, over 40% of the typical annual electricity demand of an Irish home.

The cost of purchasing and installing solar panels has come down considerably over the last 10 years. The cost of a solar PV system depends on a range of factors including the hardware chosen, size of system, accessibility of the roof or site, and the installer used. Broadly speaking home PV systems should range from around €1,500 - €2,000 per kW installed but prices will vary depending on the factors mentioned above.his item.

The main components are the solar panels which will be located on the roof area, and the inverter which will be located within your house or attic. The solar panels convert the light into DC electricity, and the inverter converts this DC electricity into AC electricity for use in your home. The solar system will be connected to your main electricity panel (‘fuseboard’). Other optional components are an immersion diverter switch, battery, or energy meter

This is a more complex way of storing any potential exported electric energy. Adding a battery to your solar PV system means the battery will charge when the PV system is generating electricity which isn’t being used, and then discharge when you need it next (normally that evening/night). A battery can increase the percentage of solar PV electricity you use in your house.