By Phil Gaynor, COO at Solarsure.ie
Ireland’s energy landscape is evolving fast, and solar PV is no longer a fringe option. It’s now a reliable, cost-effective solution for Irish homes and businesses — especially in the South East. But many still question whether it’s suitable for our climate or worth the investment.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of why solar makes sense — particularly in Waterford and surrounding counties.
How Solar Works in Ireland
Solar PV systems generate electricity from daylight, not just sunshine. Ireland receives between 950–1,200 kWh/m² annually, with Waterford and the South East consistently at the higher end.
A typical 4kWp system in Waterford can generate 3,500–4,000 kWh/year, covering up to 80% of household usage with battery support.
Components That Matter
Inverters: Convert DC to AC; lifespan of 10–15 years; smart-enabled for monitoring
Battery storage: Stores excess power for use at night or peak times
Export meters: Allow surplus energy to be sold back to the grid under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) at approx €0.19 per kWh
Real Financial Impact
For Homeowners:
SEAI grants up to €1,800
Get paid for unused electricity exported to the grid
For Businesses:
Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA): 100% tax write-off in year one
VAT rebate on solar installations
SEAI grant up to 20% of project cost
Waterford bonus: Up to 9% reduction in commercial rates for green upgrades
Example:
A business spending €12,000 annually on electricity with a 25kWp solar system can achieve:
Savings: €8,000–€12,000/year
Break-even: 3.5–4.5 years
ROI: 25–28% annually
Lifespan: 25+ years of returns
Energy Resilience & Grid Benefits
As Ireland increases wind and solar capacity, microgeneration helps:
Reduce strain on the grid Lower transmission losses, Improve local energy security — especially for SMEs in rural areas
More local generation means more stable long-term electricity pricing, shielding users from energy price shocks like those seen since 2022.
Solar’s Role in the Bigger Picture
Solar isn’t a standalone fix — but it’s a powerful, proven piece of Ireland’s low-carbon puzzle:
Scalable: Suits homes, farms, factories
Predictable: Based on decades of data
Low-maintenance: Panels last 25–30 years
Zero-emission: Cuts fossil fuel dependence
Final Word for businesses in the South East of Ireland
If you own or manage a business in retail, agri, hospitality, manufacturing, or construction, solar PV can dramatically reduce your energy costs, secure long-term savings, and enhance your sustainability profile.
At Solarsure.ie, we focus on high-quality, tailored installs — backed by real numbers, not empty promises.
Phil Gaynor
COO, Solarsure.ie
Your trusted solar partner, helping businesses transition to a greener future and save big on energy costs
