Solar panels are powered by the sun, with the term ‘Solar’ coming from solar radiation, which is the type of energy generated by the sun. However, there are two types of solar technology –  Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSP) and Photovoltaic (PV).

Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSP), as the name suggests, is a solar technology that produces electricity by using the energy (heat) produced by the sun to create a very high heat by reflecting the sun’s rays off a series mirrors. In this case, the energy levels produced by the sun are hugely influential on how much electricity is produced. As you’d expect, energy levels produced by the sun are much higher in sunnier, warmer climates, which is why these solar panels are less frequently used in Ireland (and why we don’t use them at Smartzone).

Photovoltaic (PV) solar technology, on the other hand, uses the LIGHT produced by the sun to generate electricity. Photovoltaics is the scientific process by which sunlight can be converted into electricity when it strikes on a boundary layer of a semiconducting material (fancy word for the panel). Although it may seem as though we don’t get as much sunlight here in Ireland as our European neighbours, that isn’t true. Average solar irradiation levels (another fancy word that means the light omitted by the sun) in Ireland are around 1100kWh/m2, making Ireland a very suitable place for solar panels. 

Solar panels absolutely work in Ireland during the winter! As we use Solar PV at Smartzone, our solar panels are powered by the light the sun omits, not the heat the sun provides. This is why solar panels can work efficiently during the winter in Ireland. However, the days are shorter in the winter time so we do get less light. For this reason, the output of solar panels is lower in the winter time in Ireland than in the summer time, but your solar system will still work efficiently with all the light we do have in the winter. 

We are aware that installing a solar panel system is an expensive investment, but to us it is absolutely worthwhile, especially in the current climate! Electricity bill savings generated from installing an efficient solar panel system in your home can be as high as €1000 a year, not to mention the invaluable benefits to the environment you create by installing a solar system. For a better estimation of the savings you can generate from solar and how long it will take for your solar panel system to pay for itself, check out the SEAI’s Solar Electricity Calculator. 

Smartzone is proud to be a partner of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to help you on your solar panel journey. The SEAI offers grants of as much as €2400 for all homeowners, including landlords, whose homes were built or occupied before 2021. More information on this can be seen on the SEAI Solar Electricity Grants page. 

In short, no. Revised government regulations in Ireland brought into effect in October 2022 allow for an unlimited amount of solar panels to be installed on the roof of any home (well, as much as the roof will fit). This is in line with the Irish governments aim to bring Ireland more in line with the EU’s Solar Rooftop Initiative which hopes to generate clean, renewable energy in all homes, something we are equally passionate about here at Smartzone. 

You don’t have to, that’s what we are here for! Our expert installers will assess your home to ensure that the most suitable system is designed for your needs and your home. Factors such as optimal and available roof space, objects that may obstruct the sun and shady areas will all be taken into consideration when designing your custom system. We are here to help you design and install the best solar panel system in Ireland. All you have to do is sign up and we will do the rest!

Solar panels generally last around 20-30 years working at full capacity. After this time frame they do not simply stop working, but can often become less efficient. Installing solar panels in Ireland actually provides an advantage to this effect. Due to the commonly slanted rooftops and large amount of rain we have in Ireland, solar panels are kept clean and clear of debris. Low maintenance and a long lifespan are some of  the many benefits of installing solar panels in Ireland.