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Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. They have seen a significant increase in adoption in Northern Ireland (NI) in recent years. Despite the initial high cost, solar panels can significantly reduce, if not eliminate completely, your energy bills, and solar panel grants and incentives are also available for those who qualify.
Although Northern Ireland may not enjoy the sunniest climate, modern solar panels can still effectively generate power on cloudy days, making them a viable option. Plus, solar panels have an increasingly important role as the country continues its trajectory towards a greener, more sustainable future.
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From an environmental perspective, the shift to solar power markedly reduces carbon emissions. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases when burnt, solar energy is a clean, renewable source that doesn’t contribute to air pollution or climate change. By harnessing the sun’s power, homes in Northern Ireland are reducing their carbon footprint, thereby positively contributing to global efforts against climate change.
While the upfront cost of solar panels seems substantial, the long-term savings are significant. Solar PV panels allow homeowners to generate electricity, reducing or eliminating dependence on the grid and offering stability in the face of fluctuating energy prices. Additional income can be earned by selling surplus electricity to energy suppliers, increasing savings.
While Northern Ireland doesn’t offer large-scale solar panel grants, there are ways to lessen the costs and increase your chances of getting cheap solar panels.
Contact NI Energy Advice or Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE) for information on any funding or community schemes available in your local area.
| Solar panel grant or incentive | Eligibility | Potential savings |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation | Small-scale electricity generators with Ofgem accreditation | The savings vary, but examples include: 17.66p per kWh from Power NI 18p per kWh from Action Renewables |
| 0 per cent VAT | All NI domestic solar panel installations | The potential savings are dependent on the cost of the installation |
| Barclays Greener Home Reward | Barclays residential mortgage holders who pay by direct debit. The work must be carried out by a TrustMark-registered business or tradesperson and the project must be completed by 31 July 2024 | £1,000 cashback |
If you generate electricity from solar panels, the NIRO allows you to claim Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) for every megawatt hour of electricity you generate. You must apply for accreditation from Ofgem, and then the ROCs can be sold to electricity providers. You can also enter into a separate agreement with an electricity supplier to sell them any surplus electricity.
Northern Ireland’s initiative to promote energy-efficient systems includes VAT reductions on solar panel installations. As of 1 May 2023, NI solar panels enjoy 0 per cent VAT.
If you have a mortgage with Barclays, you may be eligible to join its Greener Home Reward scheme. If you have installed and fully paid for a solar panel system, you could receive £1,000 cashback.
The key to a successful solar installation is employing reliable and experienced tradespeople, and there are several factors to consider before making your choice.
In Northern Ireland, planning permissions for solar panels are generally straightforward. Solar panels are permitted for domestic properties and do not require planning permission. However, you may need to apply for permission if you live in a listed building or conservation area. Check with your local council.
Every solar panel installation in Northern Ireland must conform to the Engineering Recommendation EREC G98/NI standard. Post-installation and commissioning, your installer will register your energy generator with NI Energy Networks, verifying that your solar panels are grid-connected. Following this, you can register for exporting the electricity generated.
Most solar installations in Northern Ireland follow the same process and, depending on the installation size, should be completed on time, with as little disruption as possible. Your chosen installer will help you pick out the best solar panels to meet your energy requirements.
The first step is to evaluate the installation site for suitability, which involves assessing your home or building for structural integrity and proper sun exposure. An energy audit is also conducted to gauge your energy consumption and determine the appropriate size for the solar panel system.
A solar system design will be drafted based on the site evaluation and energy audit. The plan should outline the size of the system, the number and type of panels, the positioning of those panels, the inverter model to be used, and, if needed, the type and size of the battery storage system.
This is the physical installation phase, which includes several steps:
After the installation, the system will be subject to a general building inspection and an electrical inspection to ensure it meets the relevant standards.
Once the system passes inspection, it is connected to the local power grid. This involves coordinating with the local utility company, which may also require its own assessment.
After the system is connected to the grid, it is turned on, commissioned, and tested again to ensure it’s operating correctly.
Once the system is running, it will need to be monitored to ensure it is performing as expected, and regular maintenance may be needed to keep the system in good working condition.
The initial cost of solar panel installation can vary greatly depending on the size of the system, your location within Northern Ireland, and the complexity of the installation, but it typically ranges from £3,500 to £6,000. The financial savings, however, can be substantial.
You’ll significantly reduce your utility bills by generating your own electricity and lessening your reliance on supplied energy. Any excess power produced can often be sold back to energy suppliers, providing an additional source of income. Solar panels often have warranties guaranteeing consistent energy generation for a given period – typically 25 years – ensuring long-term savings.
These factors combined can lead to a payback period of approximately six or seven years, after which you’ll be generating free electricity for the remaining lifespan of the system.
The table below provides an approximate guide to the costs, savings and estimated time to break even with a solar panel system. We used a Belfast postcode in our solar calculator to arrive at these figures. The average three-bedroom property requires a 4kW system, typically comprising 10 panels, each costing between £100 and £500.
| Property size | System size | Number of panels | Installation cost | Potential annual savings | Estimated payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One to two bedrooms | 2kW | 6 | £3,300 | £515.43 | 6 years |
| Three bedrooms | 4kW | 10 | £5,500 | £859.05 | 6 years |
| Four plus bedrooms | 6kW | 14 | £7,700 | £1,202.67 | 6 years |
Ensuring your solar panels’ optimal operation and longevity involves regular maintenance tasks and performance monitoring. While solar panels are renowned for their low maintenance needs, a few simple steps can help safeguard their efficiency.
Regularly cleaning your solar panels and removing accumulated dust, dirt, bird droppings and other debris is a primary maintenance task. While rainfall naturally cleans the panels, during drier periods, you may need to use a hose and a soft brush or consider employing a professional cleaning service if the panels are too high or difficult to reach safely.
Inspecting your panels for any physical damage is also essential. This includes cracks, discolouration, or any signs of wear and tear affecting their performance. If you notice any damage, it’s best to contact a professional for assessment and repair.
Solar panels, especially those in Northern Ireland, should also be checked for shading issues. Buildings, trees, or new structures can sometimes create shadows that weren’t there when the panels were installed, reducing their output.
Monitoring your solar system’s performance helps to identify any significant changes in energy production, which might indicate a problem. For example, a sudden drop in energy output could mean a malfunctioning inverter or a damaged panel.
Most modern solar systems have online monitoring systems that let you track their performance in real time. However, if the system’s performance consistently falls below the projected output, you should contact your installer or maintenance provider to investigate.
Homeowners in Northern Ireland are increasingly embracing solar energy, despite the country’s varied weather conditions. They recognise that, although there is an initial outlay, the energy bill savings, income gained from selling the excess energy, and possible government grants and incentives make the investment worthwhile.
Installing solar panels in Northern Ireland comes with several notable benefits, including cheaper energy bills, reduced reliance on the National Grid, contribution towards sustainable, green energy practices and financial incentives such as the Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation Certificates (NIROCs) scheme. By choosing solar, you’re helping to combat climate change, which, combined with the financial savings, means homes with solar panel systems can command a premium in the housing market.
Cooperatives such as the Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE) – which has installed solar panels on buildings, including schools, churches and community hubs across Belfast and beyond – and Drumlin Wind Energy, have led the way in community-owned renewable energy projects. These initiatives provide a great opportunity for communities to come together and collectively invest in and benefit from renewable energy.
Solar panels can be fitted on a wide range of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures. However, their installation on historic or listed properties in Northern Ireland, as with any other location, requires special consideration due to these buildings’ aesthetic and architectural significance; always check with your local authority to see if you need planning permission.
