Solar Energy and saving money

[misemoi]

I think until solar is so widespread that everyone understands the ROI and how to optimise use (eg charging battery at night and selling solar generation back to grid) then it will add as much value as a gas boiler currently does to a sale. Most people won't consider it at all unless they already have solar and can see its value. So we are probably a little away from that.

 

[Leo]

Yes, I think it does -

In a more functional market where purchasers have more choice perhaps, but I've seen no evidence of it here where many are just bidding to the maximum they can afford. Some purchasers may allocate a value to it equivalent to a fraction of post grant costs, but don't fall for the sales talk that someone will ever consider differently to any other depreciating fixture or fitting.

 

[AJAM]

given the rate of improvement in panels year-on-year, like all other technology, it's out of date nearly as soon as you've got it.

The panels have improved i.e. now you can get a 500W panel vs when I bought 3 years ago the max was 350W panel (43% increase).
But the size of the panels have also increased. So for a given area the max wattage has not increased anywhere near that 43%.
Maybe more importantly the price per KWh seems to be the same as it was 3 years ago.
So moral of the story is don't wait, the sooner you put up panels the sooner you get saving.

 

[ArthurMcB]

Can anyone recommend an installer in the nw of the country?

Thinking battery and loads of panels. Have a lot of roof space and could have ground mounted or on roof (which would you advise, mix?).

Whats an inverter, assume I need that (are there diff types?)?

Anything else i might consider?

I also have a geothermal pump that devours electricity which was installed 15 yrs ago. Would it be worth my while having this looked at as well to optimise with solar and also to have indoor thermostats looked at. We currently use 1 thermostat for whole house. I gather there more modern ways of managing this including with an app.

Is there 1 stap shop type companies that could do holisitic review and make changes including adding solar?

Thank you.

 

[Micks'r]

I also have a geothermal pump that devours electricity which was installed 15 yrs ago. Would it be worth my while having this looked at as well to optimise with solar and also to have indoor thermostats looked at. We currently use 1 thermostat for whole house. I gather there more modern ways of managing this including with an app.

Is there 1 stap shop type companies that could do holisitic review and make changes including adding solar?

Thank you.

Actually the ultra modern and proven way of managing your type of setup (not enough info though to be sure) is to use 1 internal stat to control everything and manage and adjust flow rates to vary individual zone or space temperatures. Go onto youtube and search for 'heatgeeks', they have many very informative and useful videos on the subject.

Steer well clear of 'one stop shops'...

 

[MrEarl]

I'd second that, avoid the "one stop shops". - the SEAI basically let the fox into the chicken coop, when they rolled out that concept.

If you've plenty of roof space, then I'd make use of that, before installing panels at ground level (where you are giving up part of your garden etc).

Yes, you must have an inverter - it converts DC (which the solar panels produce) to AC (used by the Grid).

I also bought a battery, and I'm glad I did. Much depends on when you are likely to use the power you generate - if you use notable power in the evening, up to say midnight, then it's highly likely to be the right move. Batteries are coming down a little in price, but you can still expect to pay close to €2k for a 5kw battery, installed. Many "standard" hinges go for 1-2 batteries, those with lots of panels and heavy power needs at night, tend to go for more.

Some people charge their batteries from the Grid, overnight, at a cheap rate - but I'd suggest you keep that to the back of your mind, for the moment, and get your system installed, first.

I'm in Dublin and used Evolve ECO Solutions. I found them very good to deal with, and very competitive on price, but I don't know if they do work outside of Leinster. Might be worth a call, though....