Solar Panels and Savings

Solar energy

The sun's energy can be harnessed for many purposes. One of these is to generate heat. By using solar panels (a solar collector) sunlight is directly converted into heat. A right sized solar water heating system will cover 50 to 60% of your hot water heating requirement with free solar energy. Currently over three million households in Europe use a solar heating system.

Solar energy in Ireland

Ireland is not famous for its sunny climate. But believe it or not, the sun's radiation levels in Ireland are comparable with countries such as France, Germany and Austria. Just one square metre on your roof can heat as much hot water in one year as using about 400 to 500 units of electricity.

A solar water heater produces hot water by transforming sunlight into heat through its solar collector. The best way for most households to harness solar energy will be to use it for domestic hot water requirements such as washing, showering, etc. Energy from the solar collector is transferred to the domestic hot water cylinder in the hot press using connecting pipes which carry a solar fluid. A control system ensures the regulation and safety of the every part of the equipment. Simple, efficient and reliable!

Why install solar thermal heating?

Put simply, solar power is free, it's clean and it's everywhere!

Getting your energy from the sun is kind to the environment and it helps to reduce your carbon footprint as well as your energy bills. And it is possible for you to manage the use of solar energy in your home. Did you know that 25%** of your energy costs go on hot water?

What is a solar thermal panel?

A solar thermal panel collects heat from the sun and uses it to directly heat your household water.

How does it work?

There are two types of solar thermal panels, flat plate and evacuated tube. Both types can be mounted in a variety of ways depending on the direction your home is facing.
Solar panels can even be accommodated on flat roofs, on the ground or even on walls.

Will it work in winter?

Even during the winter period or on cloudy days, the solar collector can harness enough of the sun's energy to raise the water temperature in the hot water cylinder. Thereby saving money and reducing the need for alternative energy sources. Obviously, the more sunshine there is the better the result and more hot water will be generated.

What are the benefits?

In the summer, almost all of your family's hot water needs can be met by the thermal panels. For the rest of the year, the system still pre-heats the water meaning you cut down on heating bills.

More power from the sun means more savings on your energy bill!

How much will I save?

• The supply and installation of a complete solar water heating system with a three metre square solar collector costs in the region of several thousand euro. Grants are available from The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for certain renewable energy projects. This is under the Better Energy Programme which will help reduce the capital cost involved.
• With a three metre square solar collector installed, it can be expected that your electricity usage for hot water will reduce by between 1200 and 1500 kWh (units of electricity) per year. This is equal to between €192 and €240 annually based on the Standard Tariff rate. See the latest prices.
• This suggested saving will depend on your current demand for hot water using electricity.
  
  

What next?

If you want to invest in solar power for your home then it's worth taking time to choose the right system. Quality is of vital importance when choosing a solar water heater and an installer. The SEAI has produced a set of guidelines for homeowners interested in pursuing renewable energy projects. For more information please contact The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at www.seai.ie.

Find out more about what we have to offer.

Apply Now

Useful Links

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland: www.seai.ie/technologies/solar-energy/
Available Grants: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/
Energy Saving Trust: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Solar-water-heating