Solar PV Battery Grant Ireland: Grants, Costs and How Solar Batteries Work
More support for PV confirmed by Irish government, with the introduction of a new SEAI grant for battery storage.
If you’ve been considering solar PV, now there’s even more of an incentive. The Irish Government has just announced a grant of €600 to support the uptake of PV battery installations. More details about the grand, who is eligible and how to apply will follow.
What is a solar PV battery?
A solar PV battery is a rechargeable battery that stores electricity generated by your solar panels, allowing you to use more of your own solar energy in your home.
When you install solar panels, you turn your roof (or ground) into a small power station. The energy you generate through sunlight will be used to power the appliances within your home – washing machines, lights and TVs. Any excess power that you don’t use is exported back to the grid, and you’ll earn a small amount for each unit.
When it’s very overcast or dark, there isn’t enough sunlight for the panels to work, so your home will use power drawn from the electricity grid.
Adding a solar PV battery to your PV setup allows you to store the excess energy instead of it being exported to the grid. Then when it’s dark, you’ll be able to use this power instead of the expensive grid energy.
Will I still earn money from export with a solar PV battery?
Under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), electricity suppliers will pay eligible customers for each unit of energy sent back to the grid – with some paying up to 20c per kWh. If you add a battery to your system, it’s advisable to prioritise charging your battery before exporting surplus electricity to the grid.
That way, you can still earn money through the CEG while increasing the use of your own solar energy and reduced bills.
Does everyone need a solar PV battery?
No, not everyone needs a solar battery, but battery storage can be beneficial for many homes. The cost of solar PV batteries has dropped a lot in recent years, and as a result the popularity has increased.
At the minute, we fit batteries on the majority of jobs we’re booked to do. Choosing the right battery size and whether a battery is worthwhile will depend on your electricity consumption, solar PV system and how you use energy in your home.
Can I add a solar PV battery to an existing set up?
Yes, this is a very popular option for people who have a solar PV system already installed.
If you installed a hybrid inverter, adding a battery should ideally be done within two – three years of the original installation. This ensures that firmware and hardware is compatible.
If you installed a string inverter, it will need to be upgraded before a battery can be paired with your system.
How much will it cost to add a PV battery?
If you’re adding a battery to an existing solar PV system, the cost will vary depending on the brand of inverter you already have, but it’s likely to be anything from €1,240.
If you’re adding a battery to a system with a string inverter, the cost will be more because of the inverter upgrade. The cost of a solar battery installation will also depend on the battery capacity, inverter requirements and the complexity of the installation.
What size of solar battery will I need?
Solar PV batteries range in size from 5kWh upwards, with multiple batteries being connected to deliver higher energy storage solutions.
Most of our customers are installing 10kWh batteries, but depending on your consumption and energy usage, we’ll advise what size is best for you.
Can I charge my battery from the grid?
Charging your solar battery from the electricity grid is possible, and it’s something we recommend in some circumstances.
During winter, force charging your battery from the grid can help with ensuring battery health. If there’s a long period of time where your PV panels aren’t working enough to deliver a significant battery charge, using grid power can help protect the battery health.
If you’re planning to force charge batteries from the grid, it’s strongly advised to switch to a variable electricity tariff. This will allow you to fill the battery on a lower rate tariff, discharging it in place of high-cost daytime units – helping you lower your electricity bills.
Will a solar battery power my home at night?
Yes, a solar PV battery will power your home at night or other times when there is a lower amount of sunshine for your solar panels.
If you’ve got a bigger battery, you’ll be able to power more appliances for longer – a small battery will run out faster. Once the battery is empty, you’ll need to recharge it from either the grid or your solar.
Will a battery work during a power cut?
In a standard solar PV set up, your entire system will shut down during a power cut. This is a vital safety feature which stops generated power feeding back into the grid, potentially injuring anyone working on the network.
It is possible to add changeover switches and islanding functions to a PV system, which keeps all the power generated contained in your property.
With careful installation and considered use of the power, you’ll be able to power essential items during a power cut. For more information on changeover switches, talk to us.
How long will a solar battery last?
The lifespan of a solar battery is measured in cycles – that’s the number of times it can be charged and discharged before its performance is diminished. Depending on the model of your battery, this is usually at least 6,000 cycles. It’s unlikely that you’ll discharge more than once per day, so at that rate of use your battery will last for 16 years.
Will a battery save me money?
Absolutely! Solar PV batteries are a great way to drop your energy costs. Charging the batteries for free or using a cheaper night tariff, then discharging when energy costs are high means you’ll use less expensive energy.
Will a battery work without solar panels?
If you don’t have space for a solar array, it is possible to install a battery and inverter, which is only charged from the lower night tariff.
It works, and it will cut your energy costs but the payback periods are going to be a bit slower. We’d also recommend using a bigger battery to give more opportunity to cover the full building load.
How do I apply for the SEAI solar battery grant?
Details about how to apply haven’t been made public yet, but we’ll be ready with information when it is. The first step is to explore your costs and get quotes from SEAI approved PV installers – we can arrange a free quote to show how much you’ll save.
It’s highly likely that you’ll need to have applied for the grant before you appoint an installer, so getting in early and getting quotes means you’ll be ready to proceed when details are announced.
Solar PV battery grant: what should I do now?
If you’re considering solar panels and battery storage, now is a good time to understand your options. A solar PV system can generate electricity during the day, while a battery allows you to store more of that energy for use later.
The new solar battery grant could make battery storage more accessible for Irish homeowners, alongside the existing SEAI support for solar PV.
If you’d like to find out whether a solar battery is suitable for your home, get in touch with Alternative Energy for a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar PV Batteries
Do solar PV batteries save money on household electricity bills?
Yes. Charging your batteries using free electricity from solar panels, or on cheaper night-time energy tariffs, then discharing at night reduces the number of units you buy from a supplier. This lowers your overall energy bills.
How big are solar PV batteries?
Solar PV batteries can weigh in excess of 100kg. Depending on the brand you choose, they could be up to 1m high, though smaller stackable systems are readily available.
Can I install a solar battery without solar panels?
Yes, this is common where space is limited. An inverter is still needed, but charging your battery from a cheap night tariff will help you lower your home energy costs.
How much is the SEAI solar battery grant?
We expect the SEAI solar battery grant to be €600, and we hope it will be compatible with the existing PV grant scheme. This means you could save up to a maximim €2,200 on a PV installation – confirmed detail will follow.
Can I add batteries to my existing solar panel system?
Yes, this is a very common request. There are a few things to consider:
- If you’ve got a string inverter, you’ll need to upgrade it to a hybrid. If your system was installed as ‘battery ready’ you should be able to install.
- How old your system is. Depending on the firmware and hardware, your PV system and a battery may not be compatible. We advise customers to add a battery within three years of their initial installation.
Where can I find out more about solar PV batteries, force charging and why batteries are useful?
We have lots of useful videos and shorts on our YouTube page. If you still have questions, reach out and we’ll get the answers!
Contact us to see how much you'll save with a solar PV battery.
Get in touch today to get your free, bespoke solar PV proposal to make an informed decision about your energy future. Take control today.
