Solar energy

The sun delivers more energy to earth in an hour than is used worldwide in a year. We can harness this energy by using solar technologies and thoughtful building design.

Electricity from solar photovoltaic panels

Solar panels that produce electricity are known as solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. These panels generate DC electricity when exposed to light. Learn about why solar PV technologies are best suited for use in Ireland.

More about electricity from solar panels

Hot water from solar thermal collectors

Solar panels that produce hot water are known as solar thermal collectors or solar hot water collectors. There are a range of technologies which transform the energy from the sun into hot water.

Typical well-installed systems will provide up to 60% of your annual hot water demand.

More about hot water from solar panels

Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV)	Solar Thermal
Produces electricity for use in the home.	Produces hot water for use in the home.
Typically consists of a number of solar panels on your roof, plus cabling and an inverter within your home.	Typically consists of solar tubes or solar panels on your roof, plus piping and a hot water storage tank within your home.
Worth considering if the home has high electricity demand during daylight hours.	Most cost-effective if the home’s current hot water system is costly and inefficient to operate, and the home has a high hot water demand.
The PV system should be sized to the typical daytime electricity demand of the home. For most Irish Homes this would be between 4 to 6 solar panels (1.2kW to 1.8kW).	Solar thermal should be sized for the typical hot water demand for the home. For grant eligibility, the minimum size is based on the floor area of the home.
Energy storage via heating hot water in your immersion tank (‘diversion’) and/or battery storage can be considered to increase self-consumption, although there are additional costs to install these.	Hot water is stored in the hot water tank. In most cases a new water tank is required. Solar Thermal systems need to be maintained regularly, and glycol must be replaced to ensure the system continues to work properly.
Typical payback is 10-12 years once the SEAI grant is included.	Typical payback is 10-12 years once the SEAI grant is included.

Solar map

Explore the map of Ireland’s solar energy resources. It provides information on solar irradiation and locations of solar farms.

Solar in Ireland