Solar Panels - Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels will I need?
For a 4 person family 6 m² - 3 panels; For 2/3 people 4 m² - 2 panels
How much will they cost?
Between €3,000 - €5,000 approx plus installation costs
How much will I get for my grant?
Please refer to the Grants section.
My water is heated when the central heating comes on in the winter. Why have solar panels?
Your central heating system uses fuel to heat the water in the cylinder from cold along with heating the radiators. The solar panels would reduce your fuel bills as the water in the cylinder would be pre heated by the solar panels.
Can solar panels be fitted to my house?
The answer is most likely yes. If you don’t have a south facing roof they could be fitted on east or west if not bolted on a wall or on the ground.
How easy is it to fit them and who fits them near me?
We recommend you have a survey of your home completed. Click here for a list of installers.
Will the new tank fit in my hotpress?
Most likely, but if it is too small you may be able to make it larger or go for a system that utilises your existing tank.
How much hot water will it provide?
It should provide roughly 60% of your needs over the year. From the end of February to the end of October it should provide almost all your hot water. In the winter it will bring your water up to roughly 35 degrees and you will then top it up with your heating system.
Is it worth installing Solar Panels?
For an average household the panels are very worthwhile. Hot water is used for Bathing, Showering, Washing Clothes, Floors & Dishes so your consumption will be higher than you imagine. Over the summer months when you don’t have your central heating system on you will have hot water on tap without using the immersion or your heating system. It gives you a peace of mind that your hot water is coming from a renewable source and your energy bills have been reduced saving you money every day.
If it’s not sunny will the panels still work?
Yes, the panels work from sunlight not sun heat. Therefore on a bright day even in winter you will get hot water. On cloudy days the benefit is reduced but the panels still work.
Can I heat my house with Solar Panels?
With a 12m2 panel array and a 750 litres solar combination cylinder (two tanks in one), up to 40% of central heating demand can be supplied by the solar system for a 120m2 (1,300ft2) house.
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