FAQ - Solar Electric

Does my roof have to face a particular direction?
Generally speaking, the panels should be on a south facing wall or roof, though you will still get good results if they are anywhere between south-west and south-east.
The panels also need to be mounted at the angle of latitude. In Ireland, this is about 52 degrees on average, though the optimum angle is shallower in summer and steeper in winter.
The difference is quite small, so the quickest and cheapest solution for roof-mounted panels is to follow the slope of the roof

Do I need planning permission for a solar power system?
In order to encourage the take-up of renewable energy, the Irish Government and local authorities are increasingly sympathetic in terms of planning permission and solar power systems. Currently, the installation of solar PV arrays up to 12 square metres aperture area, or 50% of total roof area (whichever is less), are exempt from planning permission development, subject to the following conditions:

A 15cm maximum distance between the plane of a pitched roof and the PV array
A 50cm maximum distance between the plane of a flat roof and the PV array, and
That arrays should be at least 50cm from the edge of the roof.

Similarly, free-standing arrays (i.e. not building-mounted) of up to 12 square metre aperture area are also exempt from planning permission, subject to the conditions that:

Stand-alone arrays must be no more than 2m in height
Such arrays must be located behind the front wall of the house, and
A minimum space of 25 sq m of useable space must remain for householders own private use.

Listed buildings
These exemptions are unlikely to apply to a listed building. In this case you may still need planning permission for a roof-based system. One solution would be to have a free-standing system away from the building

Is it ESB approved?
Yes. Our PV systems are designed specifically for Irish regulatory and environmental conditions, including the rigorous standards of ESB Networks. We have experience in working with ESB Networks to connect solar PV electricity generation systems to the national grid. we worked with ESB Networks to install the country's first ever small import/export meter in the Green Building in Dublin's Temple Bar. Our systems have ESB Networks approved inverter controllers - the equipment that enables surplus electricity from your system to be diverted seamlessly to the grid.

FAQ - Solar Water

How are hot water requirements calculated and how is the solar water heater sized?
The hot water requirements are calculated by taking into account the number of people living in the house and the size of the hot water cylinder. Each person living in the home is calculated at 50 litres per day. The solar panel is then sized to heat the size of the cylinder, taking into account the average climate conditions and the orientation of the roof; south, south east or south west.

What is the average size of a solar panel?
In general the size of a solar panel in based on the number of people in the household.
This is usually 1 - 1.5sq m per person in the house. Therefore an average 4 person household would need between 4 - 6sq m solar panel.

What percentage of the hot water requirements will be covered by the solar panel?
Up to 70% of the annual hot water requirements will be delivered free of charge & 100% in summer time.

Is the location of the solar panels (orientation, tilt, visual aspect) appropriate?
Yes. The panel should be mounted at 40% (typical roof tilt) and be south, south east or south west facing. If the house has a flat roof a special mounting kit is provided to ensure the correct tilt. The panel is surface mounted.

Is there any disruption of the building structure required to install the system?
Minimal disruption is caused on the roof as the unit is fitted on the surface. A Dual coil cylinder is sited in the house unless the existing cylinder is used. This will require some pipe work. The entire installation takes approximately one day.

How is back up heating provided?
Back up heating is provided by any other means such as gas or oil boiler, heat pump or wood pellet stove. The cylinder is fitted with an immersion heater for use when the boiler is not required.

Can the solar collector heat water to a high enough temperature? What happens when there is negligible solar power available?
Yes, the solar collector can heat the water to a high enough temperature. In good weather it can even bring water to a boiling point. Generally this is not necessary and so the system should be designed to provide a daily temperature rise of around 25-30oC (45-54oF) in the summer. Sizing a domestic system that can bring the cold water up to 60oC / 141oF in a single day is not logical, because if hot water is not used for one day, the following day the system will be boiling and dumping hot water via the temperature relief valve. This is both a waste of energy and water! If the external conditions are overcast the water in the cylinder will be automatically heated by the alternative heat source to the required temperature.

Are the solar panels and storage tank certified by a quality label and CE compliance label?
Yes.

Are all the flashing and fixing components for the solar panel provided
Yes.

Do all the materials used conform to the solar system manufacturers specifications?
Yes.

Is the system protected against overheating, freezing and excessive pressure?
Yes.

Do we offer delivery, installation and commissioning services
Yes.

How long does the installation take?
Typically, an installation can be completed in one day; this may extend to two for more complex jobs.

What is the manufacturers warranty period?
5 years.

Is there a contract available from the supplier?
A contract is available; however, solar panels are extremely maintenance free and therefore should not be necessary.

Is solar water heating a viable alternative to gas or electricity?
Solar should not be seen as an alternative to gas or electricity, but rather a supplement. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas or electric heating as there are sometimes days when there is little sunlight. When averaged over a year, a correctly sized solar system can provide 60%-70% of a household's hot water needs. The hot water system can easily be automated so hot water is guaranteed regardless of sunlight levels.

How long will it take to recoup my investment?
The solar collectors are much more affordable than many other solar hot water heaters. Depending on your location (solar levels) and current hot water usage the annual electricity or gas saving will differ. However in a normal household that spends 25% of its electricity bill on hot water heating, the full cost of the purchase may be recouped as quickly as 4-5 years in reduced bills.

Will water be heated on a cloudy day?
Yes, although the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days it will still be able to provide heating. If it is a heavily clouded day or raining, then more gas or electric boosting may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. This system will be automated so you do not have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day.

Are the solar collectors noticeable on the roof?
If only the collector is mounted on the roof it should blend into the roof design quite well.

Can solar collectors be mounted on a flat surface?
Yes they may be mounted on a flat roof.

Will the solar collector be a fire hazard during hot, dry weather?
The solar collector's components are all high temperature rated and non-flammable so even during strong sunlight with the circulation pump turned off (stagnation), the system will not catch alight or give off any sparks. The majority of the solar collector's components are stainless steel, aluminium, glass or glass wool.

Can I heat my swimming pool using a solar collector?
Yes

Where can I get an application form for the Greener Homes Scheme?
You can download it from the web at www.sei.ie/greenerhomes or at www.solarroofinstallations.com

I have more than one house - Can I apply for a grant on more than one property?
As long as you are the owner of each house, you can apply for a grant in respect of each. You will have to make a separate application for each house.

Deposit pre installation - I have paid a deposit can I still get the grant from SEAI?
Under the scheme, you have to be approved for the grant before any money can be spent or work carried out. This means that you should not pay any deposit before being approved.

I have recently installed a system but haven�t paid the installer yet - can I get a grant?
No the grant application must be fully approved before any items are purchased or works commenced.

Is there a specific list of products and installers for the scheme? If so where can I find the list?
Yes, registered product lists and a registered installers list are available on the SEAI website www.sei.ie/greenerhomes and through hard copy from SEAI by calling 1850 734 734.

Planning permission - do I need it?
We would recommend that you contact your local authority / planning office regarding necessary permissions.Planning Permission is a matter for each individual Local Authority.

Is there an expiry date for the SEAI grant approval?
Yes, 12 months from receipt of grant approval.

How do I make a payment claim from the SEAI?
When you are approved for the grant you will receive a letter indicating the details of the grant and giving you a unique grant identification (reference) number. You can then proceed with getting the system installed. Once installed you will need to return to us your completed Request for Payment Form, Standard Commissioning Report completed by your installer and a copy of your invoices and receipts for installation and product purchase.

What is the turnaround on payments?
It is SEAI's intention to process and pay applications for grant payment within three to four weeks once a valid request has been received.

When is the grant paid?
Upon satisfactory evidence that the system is installed, commissioned correctly, and the house holder has made full payment. The money will then be transferred directly into your bank account.

Are there audits and inspections and under what conditions are they likely to occur?
Random inspections of households will be done to verify existence or to technically assess the quality of the installation. Audits will also be conducted on the validity and veracity of the documentation supplied in support of the payment request.

What is the installation procedure?
Plumber will change cylinder (in an existing house) to a dual coil in your hot press. In a new build we provide cylinder and plumber fits it.

Fitters then fit the panels onto the roof.
Pipe work from the panels to the cylinder is then done by the fitters.
System is filled with solar fluid.
Commissioned on the same day.