Expert tips on solar energy
How much does a solar PV system cost?
We asked: Christina Ngo, Solar Operations Manager
“It really varies from house to house, from household to household. A good estimate is anywhere between €7,000 to €12,000 depending on the number of panels and other variables.”
How long does it take to pay for itself?
We asked: Leo Stafford, Services Manager
“Your payback period will depend on your specific energy costs. The higher your consumption, the shorter your payback period will be. We’ve seen customers with payback within four to five years already on their solar systems. With others, it’s more like seven to 10 years. Our team always starts with a free home survey. We can give you a good idea of your payback period before you decide to go forward."
Why am I seeing such a big range in cost estimates?
We asked: Jair Lopez, Solar Support Coordinator
“There’s a difference in materials, product, workmanship. When we design someone’s home system, we put ourselves in the position of the homeowner and future-proof it as much as we can. To do that, we add items that other installers typically wouldn’t include. We also support customers with daily monitoring of their systems throughout the first year it's in place. We’re always a call away.”
Do solar panels really work ... in Ireland?
We asked: Christina Ngo, Solar Operations Manager
“Solar works quite effectively from April to October. The sunnier it is, the more you will generate. But you will still generate even on dark, cloudy days. Even in winter months, you’ll see generation.”
What’s your best piece of solar advice?
We asked: Christina Ngo, Solar Operations Manager
“It’s not the payback period you should be concerned about. Futureproofing is more important. Ask yourself, will you get an electric vehicle? Is your family growing and how many years will your kids live at home? Will you stay in your home to retirement? Solar is going to deliver for the next 30 years and beyond, adding value to your home. Think about your energy use for the next 20, 30, 40 years and install a system that can provide that.
“You could have a short-term phase one and phase two plan. This is where a good installer like Bord Gáis Energy will sit down and discuss it with you."
Sharing solar across Ireland
Did you know we’re the exclusive solar installation choice of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA)? Here’s a look at our solar teams in action.
Solar for farms
Learn more about our partnership with the IFA.
Find out more
What's a solar battery?
A solar battery connects to your solar PV system to store unused electricity as it’s generated. Without one, energy generated by your panels is only used as there’s demand for it, so this decision comes down to lifestyle and when you use energy. Essentially, you’d need to use — or sell to the national grid — every kilowatt of electricity right away.
Solar Panels
Cut your electricity bills and your carbon footprint by switching to sunshine. A solar PV installation pays for itself sooner than you might think.
Solar Energy Guide
Learn how embracing solar energy can help lower carbon emissions, protect our environment and reduce your energy bills.
Microgeneration
Find out how you can export surplus solar energy to the national grid through our Microgen Export Plan.