What Exactly is a Smart Meter? To understand smart meters, your first need to understand old-style electricity meters. Old-style electricity meters are very simple: The only thing they do is keep a tally of how much electricity has been used since the meter was installed, just like the mile counter on your car. Smart meters …
Efficiency is one of the most talked-about topics in solar, but also one of the least understood. So what does the efficiency of a solar panel really mean? Definitions Solar panel efficiency is the electrical power output divided by the available solar power. For example, if a solar panel produces 400W of electricity from 2000W …
Note: The easiest way to calculate solar NPV is with our handy Solar NPV Online Calculator. Solar PV is a big investment, and you need to carefully consider the cost and return before going ahead. Net Present Value (NPV) is a calculation that can help you to decide if solar PV is a good idea …
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If you’re thinking of buying a solar PV system then you’ll need to get a site survey done first. Here are the main reasons why: To find out if your location is suitable for solar PV So the surveyor can learn how you use electricity. This helps him/her to design your system in a way …
Solar panels depend on light from the sky to make electricity. Therefore, facing them the right direction will allow your panels to produce the most power at the most important times. Read on or watch the video to find out why South is often, but not always, the best direction for solar panels in Ireland. …
Maybe you’ve heard about solar PV from a friend. Maybe you’ve seen solar panels on your neighbours’ roofs and wondered if you should be getting them as well? Read on if you would like to find out what the benefits of solar PV could be for you. Reduced Electricity Bills from Day One From the …
If you’ve looked into solar PV, you’ve probably heard words like “all-black”, “bifacial”, or “all glass”. These terms refer to what’s on the back of your PV panel. Backsheets matter because they affect the appearance and performance of your PV system. Read on to learn about the four types of solar panel backsheets. White EVA …
Many people ask me about the installation process for solar PV. The good news is that installing solar PV panels brings minimal disruption to your home and your daily routine. There are two main aspects to the job: Electrical work and installation of the panels. Here’s an overview of the process so that you’ll know …
The Problem Solar PV can be a lucrative investment for commercial electricity users. Many businesses have the perfect combination of high electricity use and lots of roof space. Economies of scale also help with the cost-effectiveness of large commercial systems. Put together, these factors can translate into a very high rate of return from commercial …
You typically don’t need planning permission for solar panels in Ireland. However, there are limitations and rules you need to follow, if you want to go solar without the hassle of planning permission. The main rules for homes, industrial buildings, farms, etc., are shown below. For the exact legislation, read S.I. 493 of 2022. Houses …
The basic difference between solar PV (photovoltaic) and solar thermal is that PV produces electricity while thermal produces hot water. But which is the better option for Irish households? Potential Savings are Higher With Solar PV Forgetting to turn off the immersion is the nightmare of every Irish householder. And it’s true that it takes …
While we don’t get as much sunshine as we’d like to, other factors help solar panels to perform well in Ireland. Some of them might surprise you! Read on to learn all about the solar panel performance in Ireland. Ireland Gets Plenty of Solar “Irradiance” (Daylight) Much the sun’s energy penetrates through clouds. The downside …
Since July 2022, Irish homeowners have been eligible to sell their surplus solar electricity to the grid. Prices for exported electricity are negotiated between electricity suppliers and consumers. So it’s important to shop around for the highest value. How Much Can You Make Selling Electricity to the Grid? Your solar export payment depends on: Your …
Selling Surplus Solar Electricity to the Grid in Ireland Read More »
How to Choose a Solar PV Installation Company in Ireland The solar PV market is booming in Ireland and you can now find dozens of companies to buy solar PV from. With so many options to choose from, use these four simple tips to find the best company to buy solar PV from. Tip 1: …
You can now get an SEAI grant of up to €2,400 for solar panels in Ireland. This reduces the upfront cost of solar, making it even easier to slash your electricity bills. Here are the details: Who Qualifies for the Grant? Homeowners The SEAI solar panel grant is now available for all houses built before …
To make the most of your solar PV system, you’ll probably want to store some energy to use during the night. Learn about the two ways you can do this: Power diverters and batteries. Power Diverters Power diverters send surplus electricity from your solar panels to your immersion. Your immersion then uses this surplus power …
“What exactly is solar PV” explains that solar PV panels turn light into electricity. “So”, you might say “how does that electricity get from the solar panel to the appliances in my house?” Well, the most common way is with a grid-tied solar PV system, which I will outline here. First of all, where does …
When you shine light on a solar PV panel, electricity comes out. But how does it all work? For a long time, solar PV has been used to power little things, like calculators, and specialised technology, like communications satellites. But why does everyone seems to be so excited about solar PV now? I mean, last …
