Thirty-four per cent of people incorrectly believe that solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining, while sunshine certainly helps, modern solar panels operate efficiently even in the dull Irish weather.
The research shows that just over 56 per cent of adults know that solar panels can actually make them money by selling extra electricity back to the grid. Last month, solar energy generated more than 6.5 per cent of Ireland’s electricity, more than double the amount than this time last year.
Over 53 per cent of people think more attractive government grants or financial incentives would encourage them to consider getting solar panels, while 51 per cent think a clearer understanding of the long-term savings on electricity bills would encourage them.
Despite this, fewer than one in five actually have plans to make significant changes to improve their home's energy-efficiency management within the next year by installing solar panels.
Valerie Hand, Retrofit Manager of Bord Gáis Energy, said: “The gap in knowledge of the benefits of solar is considerable. Many don’t realise that it works brilliantly in Irish weather — and that their roof could not only be saving them money but also earning them money."
To make solar more accessible, Bord Gáis Energy has partnered with Finance Ireland to provide hassle-free Green Loans, helping homeowners spread the cost of installation. Customers can save an average of 50-70 per cent on their electricity bills with the installation of rooftop solar panels.
Modern solar panels can generate enough clean electricity to power much of a typical home’s needs, which will reduce reliance on the grid and energy bills for decades to come. If your home with solar panels sends 8 kWh back to the grid each day at the current Bord Gáis Energy export rate of €0.185 per kWh, that’s €1.48 per day. Over a sunny week, you could earn more than €10.35.
Bord Gáis Energy is now offering a free home consultation for homeowners where they can discover how much they could save, potential income opportunities and see what grants or incentives they qualify for. While costs vary depending on the property, a typical solar PV system is priced in the region of €8,000–€10,000.
Homeowners can find out how much they could save, what kind of income they could earn, and what grants are available. Anyone interested can book a free consultation today at bordgaisenergy.ie/solar
