Solar panels have become a popular choice for homeowners in Ireland looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs. With the country's goal to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030, the demand for solar panels is only expected to increase. But what happens when your solar panels produce more electricity than you need? Can you sell the excess energy back to the grid? In this article, we will explore the process for selling excess electricity generated by solar panels Ireland.
The Basics of Solar Panels in Ireland
Before diving into the process of selling excess electricity, it's important to understand the basics of solar panels in Ireland. The country has a Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, which allows homeowners to receive payments for the electricity they generate from renewable sources, including solar panels.This scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is available to both residential and commercial properties. In order to be eligible for the FIT scheme, your solar panels must be installed by a registered installer and meet certain technical requirements. These requirements include having a minimum capacity of 0.5kW and being connected to the grid through an approved metering system.
The Process for Selling Excess Electricity
Once your solar panels are installed and connected to the grid, you can start generating your own electricity. But what happens when you produce more electricity than you need? This excess energy can be sold back to the grid through a process called net metering. Net metering is a system where your excess electricity is fed back into the grid and you receive credits for it on your energy bill. These credits can then be used to offset any electricity you use from the grid when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.This means that you are essentially selling your excess electricity back to the grid at the same price you would pay for it. In order to participate in net metering, you must have a bi-directional meter installed. This type of meter can measure both the electricity you use from the grid and the excess electricity you feed back into the grid. Your energy provider will be responsible for installing this meter and ensuring that it is working properly.
Calculating Your Excess Electricity
In order to sell your excess electricity back to the grid, you need to know how much you are producing and how much you are using. This is where your bi-directional meter comes in.It will measure the amount of electricity you are feeding back into the grid and the amount you are using from the grid. The amount of excess electricity you produce will vary depending on factors such as the size and efficiency of your solar panels, as well as weather conditions. To get an accurate estimate, it's best to consult with your installer or use an online solar calculator.
Receiving Payment for Your Excess Electricity
Once your bi-directional meter is installed and working properly, you can start receiving payments for your excess electricity. These payments will be in the form of credits on your energy bill, which can then be used to offset any electricity you use from the grid. The amount you receive for your excess electricity will depend on your energy provider and their FIT scheme rates. It's important to note that these rates may change over time, so it's best to check with your provider regularly.Other Considerations
While selling excess electricity generated by solar panels in Ireland may seem like a straightforward process, there are a few other things to consider.For example, if you are planning on selling your home, you will need to transfer the FIT scheme payments to the new owner. This can be done through a Change of Ownership form with your energy provider. It's also important to keep in mind that the FIT scheme is subject to government funding and may be discontinued at any time. However, the SEAI has stated that they will honor all existing contracts until their expiration date.
In Conclusion
Solar panels in Ireland not only help reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs, but they also allow you to sell excess electricity back to the grid through net metering. By understanding the basics of solar panels, the process for selling excess electricity, and other considerations, you can make the most out of your solar investment.So if you're considering installing solar panels Ireland, don't forget about the potential for selling excess electricity and contributing to a more sustainable future.
