What to Expect During Your Solar PV Installation

Installing solar PV is a straightforward process that typically takes 1-2 days. The system includes solar panels, an inverter, and often a battery. Your installer will conduct a site survey, design a system tailored to your home, and handle all the necessary permits and paperwork.

Step-by-Step Guide to Solar PV Installation in Ireland:

1. Assess Your Energy Needs: Before installing solar panels, it’s essential to understand your home’s energy requirements. This involves looking at your electricity usage patterns and identifying the potential for energy savings.

2. Site Evaluation and Solar Potential: A professional site evaluation will determine the best location for the panels based on factors like roof orientation, angle, and shading. This step ensures optimal energy generation from your solar PV system.

3. Choose the Right Solar Panels: There are various types of solar panels available, each with different efficiency levels and costs. Selecting panels that meet your specific needs and budget is crucial for maximizing your investment.

4. Find a Reputable Installer: Research and choose a reliable solar panel installation company. Look for installers with good reviews, relevant experience, and proper certifications. A reputable installer will manage most of the process for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

5. Apply for Grants and Permissions: In Ireland, homeowners can avail of SEAI grants to reduce the upfront costs of solar PV systems. Check the eligibility criteria and apply for these grants. Additionally, obtain any necessary permissions, which your installer can often assist with.

6. Installation: The actual installation process involves mounting the solar panels on your roof and connecting them to your electrical system. This typically takes 1-2 days, depending on the system size and site conditions.

7. Inspection and Commissioning: After installation, the system undergoes inspection and commissioning to ensure everything is functioning correctly. This step verifies that your solar PV system is safe and operating at its maximum efficiency.

The SEAI Homeowner’s Guide to Solar PV provides a step-by-step breakdown of the installation process, ensuring you know what to expect, questions to ask your installer, and how to prepare your home for solar energy.

Understand more with Activ8's Solar PV install in Donegal

Activ8 recently installed a solar PV system in Donegal, demonstrating that solar energy is viable anywhere in Ireland. Here’s a closer look at their process, from purchase to installation:

• Initial Consultation: Upon registering your details, Activ8 schedules an appointment with a solar consultant to discuss your energy needs and assess your property.

• Technical Survey: Once you decide to proceed, a detailed technical survey is conducted to tailor the installation to your home’s specific requirements.

• Installation Scheduling: Activ8’s installation team will consult with you to select a suitable date for the installation.

• Installation Process: The installation involves securely mounting the panels, connecting the inverter, and integrating the system with your home’s electrical setup.

• Inspection and Commissioning: Finally, the system is inspected, tested, and commissioned to ensure optimal performance.

The installation process was seamless, with Activ8 managing everything from the site survey and necessary paperwork, including permits and SEAI grant applications, to the final setup. They delivered a highly efficient solar PV system, complete with high-efficiency panels and a battery storage solution. This setup allows the homeowner to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night, resulting in reduced energy bills and a significant contribution to a greener environment.

This case study highlights that solar PV can be effectively implemented even in remote areas, providing significant energy savings and environmental benefits.

Read more about this and many other successful Activ8 installations in Donegal: Activ8 Donegal Case Study

Join the solar revolution alongside 100,000 Irish homes already enjoying the benefits of solar PV and be part of our No Rooftop Left Behind movement!