Through listening to farmer’s needs, we now see solar as one of the most reliable ways to help cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. We offer quality and reliable solar solutions for Irish farmers.
With our combined expertise, we’ll assess the options for your farm business, provide end-to-end support and real-time data.
How can Solar benefit you?
Reduce your electricity bills by moving to a solar rooftop solution which can effectively power energy-intensive processes on farms, significantly reducing energy costs through self-consumption.
Shrink your carbon footprint by generating 100% renewable power.
Grant aid is now available at 60% on solar PV systems, up to €90,000 and 62KW. Grants are also available on solar batteries
Protect your business from energy market volatility. Lock into predictable low-cost power for the 25+ year lifetime of your solar PV system.
If your solar installation generates more electricity than you need, the extra power can be sent to the grid and you may be compensated through your energy provider.*
* If availing of TAMS funding, the system installed must be comparable to the previous 12 months’ energy usage.
The lifespan of a solar system is between 25-30 years. However, the lifespan of a solar inverter may not last that long, and most inverters last between 10-15 years.
Rooftop solar is not an additional or alternative income stream. If you decide to install rooftop solar, it should be based on the money you will save on electricity by generating your supply.
The solar PV system warranty will be provided directly by the manufacturer and governed by the terms and conditions set out by each equipment manufacturer. We will facilitate, on your behalf, any warranty claims and exchanges between you and the manufacturer. If you have any problems once your system has been installed, please email [email protected].
As of October 2022, you do not usually require planning permission for solar panel installation. Certain restrictions apply, including developments near certain aviation sites, protected structures and Architectural Conservation Areas.
Full details are available here.
One of the things to consider is the maximum import capacity from the ESB into your farm. If you have single-phase or three-phase power on your farm will determine how much solar you can install. Every farm will have a transformer outside the farm, determining the most power that can go into that farm.
You must apply for specific licenses off ESB when you exceed a certain amount. We will advise you if that is necessary as part of our assessment process.
Each farm will be different, and the right solar PV system for your farm will depend on several variables. We will design a system that maximises your farm’s energy-saving potential, reducing your electricity bill. The amount you save will depend on the needs of your farm. Your investment will have paid off in just a few short years, especially if you obtain a grant.
There is no “out-of-the-box” quote. The cost will be determined by a number of factors unique to you and your farm. We will design an appropriate system for you, and the costs and potential payback period will vary depending on these factors.
Each farm will be different; for some farmers, installing a battery with your solar PV system will make sense. Solar panels generate the most energy throughout the day. If you have a consistent energy consumption profile throughout the day, your system will be designed to generate the electricity required to meet this. However, if your energy consumption profile changes throughout the day and continues at night, you may benefit from installing a battery with your solar PV system. We will guide you through making the right decision for your farm.
No. As your solar system is connected to the grid, it needs to be shut off in a power cut so it doesn’t feed live electricity into the power lines while workers make repairs.
Bord Gáis Energy and Centrica’s Procurement and Responsible sourcing expertise ensure that only Tier One solar PV panels and industry-leading ancillary equipment such as inverters and batteries will be used in your solar rooftop system.
The specific panel type will depend on your preference and the sector you farm in. For example, evidence suggests that glass-on-glass panels are well suited to high-ammonia environments, which is not the case for all farms in Ireland.
Alternatively call us on 0818 924 852 and a member of our Dublin-based support centre will be happy to talk to you.