Do Solar Panels Work in Ireland?

John McEvoy
April 30, 2024

Are you interested in learning about how solar panels work in Ireland? Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in Ireland, and they are truly effective in the Irish climate. These modern solar panels work well even in cloudy and rainy conditions, generating electricity from light rather than heat​​.

Installing solar panels not only reduces Ireland's dependency on fossil fuels, contributing to a greener environment, but also offers considerable cost savings for homeowners​​. By generating your own electricity, you can cut down on monthly bills and gain more energy independence.

In this blog, we will explain how they operate, their benefits, costs, available grants, and their contribution to a better environment.

So, let's go!

How Do Solar Panels Operate in Ireland’s Climate?

Solar panels are highly effective in the Irish climate. With respect to the changing weather of Ireland, solar panels contribute a lot.

Sunlight and cloud cover

One of the most common concerns about solar panels in Ireland is whether they can work effectively with the country's cloudy and rainy weather. These modern solar panels are designed to generate electricity from light rather than heat​​. This means that they can still operate efficiently on rainy days, making them suitable for Ireland's climate.

Cloudy weather may reduce the panels' efficiency compared to sunny days, but they can still produce enough electricity to contribute significantly to a household's energy needs​​. Additionally, Ireland receives between 1,100 and 1,600 hours of sunlight each year, ensuring sufficient light to power solar panels​​.

Cool temperatures

Another benefit of Ireland's climate is its cool temperatures, which can improve solar panel efficiency​. Solar panels tend to work more effectively at lower temperatures, and the light Irish climate helps maintain best panel performance​​.

This makes Ireland an excellent place for solar panels, allowing them to work efficiently and consistently throughout the year. 

What Are the Advantages of Solar Panels in Ireland?

There are many advantages of solar panels if we get them installed in Ireland.

Energy independence

Solar panels can significantly reduce your dependence on the national network, giving you more energy security and independence​​. By generating your own electricity, you can maintain power in case of disruptions and reduce dependency on external energy providers.

This independence also contributes to a more strong national network, reducing demand for centralised power sources and improving overall energy security in Ireland​​. In the long term, this can help stabilise energy prices and availability.

Financial savings

Installing solar panels can lead to substantial financial savings on electricity bills, making it an attractive option for Irish homeowners​. By generating your own power, you can cut monthly energy costs and reduce overall spending on utilities.

Additionally, over time, the savings from lower bills can lead to a significant return on investment, particularly as energy prices continue to rise​. This makes solar panels a wise financial decision for the future.

Environmental benefits

Solar energy helps reduce Ireland's dependency on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner environment​​. As a renewable energy source, solar power produces no harmful emissions and reduces carbon footprints, helping to reduce climate change.

By switching to solar energy, households can play a role in promoting sustainable living and supporting Ireland's efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions​​. This benefits both current and future generations by encouraging a healthier planet.

What Are the Solar Panel Costs and Grants?

In Ireland, if you are planning to install a solar panel, there are different grants and incentives available to promote solar energy.

Initial costs

The initial installation cost for solar panels in Ireland can range from €5,000 to €16,000 for a typical residential setup​​. This includes costs for panels, an inverter, wiring, and installation fees. The price will depend on the size and capacity of the solar system, as well as the specific needs of your home.

For example, a larger setup will have higher costs but can generate more electricity, potentially leading to greater savings over time. The initial expenses may seem high, but the benefits can reduce the costs in the long run.

Government grants

The Irish government provides grants through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to help reduce the costs of installing solar panels​. These grants can cover up to €2,400 of the initial installation cost, depending on the size of your system and the type of panels used.

Conclusion:

Solar panels can effectively generate electricity in Ireland, even in the country's cloudy and rainy climate. This makes them a suitable option for Irish homeowners. The panels not only offer financial savings by reducing electricity bills and energy independence from the national network, but they also contribute to a cleaner environment by lowering dependency on fossil fuels​​. 

Furthermore, government grants can further decrease installation costs, making solar panels an accessible choice for many households​​. To learn more about the benefits of solar panels for your home and help contribute to a greener future, consider reaching out to HP Roofing. Our experts ensure a smooth switch to renewable energy for your household or business.

Contact us today!

HP Roofing is a team of residential & commercial roofing contractors and solar panel installation experts in Dublin. We offer a wide range of services, from roof repairs and replacements to solar PV installations and maintenance, with quality beyond expectations.
Call HP Roofing 01 453 3366

Frequently Asked Questions

Do solar panels work in Ireland's climate?

Yes, solar panels can generate electricity in Ireland's climate, although their efficiency may be slightly lower compared to sunnier regions. They still produce significant energy, even on cloudy days.

How much sunlight does Ireland get for solar panels?

Ireland receives a moderate amount of sunlight suitable for solar panels, with an average of around 3.5 hours of sunshine per day, varying by location and season.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels in Ireland?

In most cases, you don't need planning permission for solar panels in Ireland if they meet certain criteria, such as being installed on the roof facing away from the road and not exceeding a certain height. However, it's advisable to check with the local authorities.

Can solar panels generate electricity on cloudy days?

Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, although at a reduced rate compared to sunny days. They capture diffuse sunlight and can produce significant energy even when the sky is overcast.

Can solar panels work during the winter in Ireland?

Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity during the winter months in Ireland. While there are fewer daylight hours, they can still produce power from the available sunlight, helping to offset energy usage.

How long do solar panels last in Ireland?

Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years or more. While their efficiency may decrease slightly over time, they can still provide reliable electricity generation throughout their lifespan.

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*FYI, parts of this blog post were drafted by artificial technlogy. But rest assured, it's been thoroughly researched, edited, reviewed and me & my team.
Founder @ HPRoofing

The founder of HP Roofing, with years of industry experience, providing top-notch roofing and solar panel services for residential and commercial properties in Dublin, delivering high-quality and customised solutions that combine both aesthetic appeal and durable functionality.