Solar

Solar Panels for Home - What You Need to Know

Published on
February 7, 2023

In 2020, around 50,000 households in Ireland have a solar panel for home to lower energy bills and contribute to the transition of fossil fuels, and the number is increasing by thousands each year.In this article, we'll cover the basics of a solar panel for home use, including how they work, the benefits and drawbacks, and what you need to know before investing.

Is solar panel good for home?

Solar panels are an excellent option to reduce energy costs as well as minimize the environmental impact of your house and offer a variety of additional benefits, including aiding local businesses and promoting energy independence.

Here are the benefits of having a solar panel in your home:

  1. Energy savings

One of the primary benefits of solar panels is the power it provides. Solar panels allow you to provide power for your home without the need for an electric grid.

  1. Renewable energy is a complete source

Solar is an endless source of power that can be utilized everywhere around the globe. Additionally, solar can help reduce carbon emissions by a significant amount.

  1. Environmental-friendly

Solar power systems get pure and clean solar energy. Installing solar panels in your home aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as reduces our dependency on fossil fuels.

  1. Your home's value will be increased with the help of your house

The installation of solar panels on your home could be an excellent benefit to the property's value should you decide to sell your house later on.

  1. Be prepared for electric grid failures

If you reside in an area that experiences frequent power outages, solar power can be the answer.

Do solar panels increase home value?

A Solar PV system could improve the resale price and the BER score of your homes. One point improvement in the scale of BER for your home could result in a 1% list price increase.A new homeowner will enjoy free, green electricity generated by the solar panels and so will generally pay reduced electricity costs. Assuming they use the solar power generation during the day and do not get sucked into the grid, it could lower their carbon footprint.

What is the average cost of solar panels in Ireland?

The price of solar panels is based on the energy you need to power your business or home. In addition, solar installers should visit the site to determine the amount the solar panel your house needs and to determine if your structure can accommodate solar panels. The typical cost of installing solar panels in Ireland ranges from €6,000 to €17,000. The amount will be contingent on the specifics of your home in particular. Things like roof dimensions and area are crucial in determining costs.

What is a solar panel subsidy?

Homeowners can receive up to €2400 in incentives or grants on solar panel installations in Ireland. The SEAI offers homeowners an incentive to install solar panels through the solar PV program. Furthermore, solar PV provides one-time grants to buy and install the Solar PV's battery power storage device.The condition for obtaining the grant includes the following:

  • Homes built before 2021 are now qualified to receive the grant.
  • There is no need to achieve the C3 BER rating to be eligible for the grant.
  • An SEAI-certified contractor is required to install the solar panels.

The amounts of grants to solar PV systems are as follows:

  • €900 for 1 kWp up to 2kWp maximum. (kWp refers to kilowatt peak).
  • €300 for each additional kWp of up to 4kWp when you purchase the battery. ( Maximum grant allowed is €2,400)

The estimated cost of the installation of an average solar PV system with 2kW would be about €4,000 to €5,000. You could get an amount of €1,800 for 2kWp solar panels (i.e. 6/7 solar panels).There are also rules governing Solar Grants which include:

  • Your house must have been constructed before 2011.
  • You have to use a licensed contractor who is registered in SEAI's Renewable Installers Register for Solar PV.
  • Grants are paid once the work has been completed.

What should be considered in choosing the right solar panel for home use?

It is important to remember how a solar panel in Ireland is an investment that will last for a long time Aside from considering the cost of installing a solar panel at home, there are many factors other than the cost you must also consider.

  • Quality

When selecting a solar panel provider, it's recommended to read the company reviews or history and look into the experiences of customers with them.

  • Energy Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency refers to how much sunlight the panel gets transformed into electrical energy and consequently, the amount of power generated by your solar panel. The more efficient the panel, the more costly it is.

  • Temperature Coefficient

This is the effect that heat can have on a solar panel's operating efficiency following installation. The lower the proportion of heat per degree Celsius, the better.

  • Durability

If the manufacturer doesn't provide a lengthy warranty and you suspect the product they offer isn't excellent, and they do not wish to accept any responsibility. Do not fall for an attractive price.

  • Size

Make sure you put in a solar panel system that is large enough to run all your appliances. Also, make sure that you have enough space for installation.

  • Solar Cells Used

Monocrystalline silicon is high-efficiency silicon that has good heat tolerance with a tiny footprint. The polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon cell-based solar panels are currently the most preferred choice for residential installations. Additionally, you can find the Amorphous (or thin-film) silicon cells, which contain the lowest amount of silicon and are not as efficient. In terms of Wattage, a crystalline cell will be less than an amorphous one.

Find the Right Solar Panel System for Your Home

Now, you already have all the essential information about solar panels for your home. You should always consider the quality and service that the solar panel providers will offer to you. At Ecoplex, we offer step-by-step instructions from the initial consultation stage through the installation of Solar PV to meet your home or business requirements. Message us and we will be happy to help you secure a solar panel in Ireland. Interested in finding out more about our Home Solar Panel Systems and Prices?

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