How many households in Ireland have solar panels?

by solarman · May 26, 2024

There are two main figures for the number of households in Ireland with solar panels, depending on how you define “solar panels”:

Solar PV panels for electricity generation: As of the 2022 census, around 119,300 homes (6% of all occupied dwellings) reported using solar panels for electricity generation [Irish Times, July 27, 2*].

Solar thermal panels for water heating: Additionally, there are households that use solar thermal panels for heating water, rather than generating electricity. The 2022 census data suggests around 96,343 households use this method.

It’s important to note that solar panel installations are increasing rapidly in Ireland. So, the most recent data (from July 2023) might be slightly higher than the 2022 census figures.

Additional information on solar panel use in Ireland:

Growth Trends: The number of solar installations is rising quickly. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, almost 4,000 homes had solar panels installed, compared to just over 1,100 in the same period of 2022 [energyefficiency.ie]. This suggests the 2022 census figures might underestimate current adoption.

Regional Differences: Solar panel uptake varies across Ireland. Leinster has the highest number of installations, followed by Ulster which has seen a significant growth spurt recently [energyefficiency.ie].

Potential for Growth: Estimates suggest up to 1 million Irish roofs could be suitable for solar panels, indicating significant room for future growth [Bonkers.ie].

Here are some resources for further exploration:

Irish Times article on 2022 census data: This provides a breakdown of solar panel use for both electricity and water heating [Irish Times, July 27, 2023].

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI): The SEAI website offers information on government grants and supports for installing solar panels [SEAI website, Ireland].

Some additional details about solar panel use in Ireland that you might find interesting:

Government Support: The Irish government has ambitious renewable energy targets and is actively encouraging solar panel adoption. This includes financial grants for homeowners and businesses to offset installation costs, as well as feed-in tariffs that offer compensation for excess electricity exported back to the grid [SEAI website, Ireland].

Environmental Benefits: Ireland may not have the strongest sunshine, but solar panels still offer significant environmental advantages. They help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Battery Storage: While solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, battery storage systems are becoming more affordable. This allows homeowners to store excess solar energy for use during evenings or peak demand periods. Further increasing the cost-effectiveness of solar power.

Future Regulations: The European Commission’s Solar Rooftop Initiative mandates all new buildings in the EU to have solar panels installed from 2029 onwards. This is likely to further accelerate solar panel adoption in Ireland.

Remember, despite the benefits, there are still factors to consider before installing solar panels. These include:

Roof suitability: Your roof needs to have sufficient space and be facing the right direction (ideally south) for optimal sunlight exposure.

Initial investment: While there are financial supports, the upfront cost of installing solar panels can be significant.

Weather impact: While Ireland may not have the strongest sunshine. It can still generate a good amount of solar energy throughout the year. However, production will naturally be lower on cloudy days.