Does Solar Work In Ireland

Solar panel energy production in Ireland varies slightly depending on your location, but even in cloudier regions, solar panels remain a cost-effective investment. Thanks to advances in solar technology, Irish homeowners are increasingly able to reduce their energy bills and rely less on traditional grid power.

One of the biggest questions Irish homeowners ask is whether solar panels work in cloudy or rainy conditions. The good news is: yes, they do.

• Modern photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine.
• Even on overcast days, panels can still produce 10–25% of their maximum output.
• Ireland receives between 900–1,100 kWh of solar irradiation per square metre per year, which is more than enough to make solar worthwhile.

• South & South-East Ireland (Cork, Waterford, Wexford): Highest solar yields due to longer daylight hours and sunnier conditions.
• East & Midlands (Dublin, Kildare, Offaly): Strong performance with consistent savings.
• West & North-West (Galway, Mayo, Donegal): Slightly lower yields, but still cost-effective when paired with grants.

• Summer months (April–September): Highest output, often covering a large share of household needs.
• Winter months (October–March): Lower output, but panels still contribute useful energy and reduce bills.
• Battery storage can help balance day/night usage, storing excess power generated during daylight.

Solar batteries allow you to save the electricity your panels generate during the day for use later, such as in the evening when demand is higher and the panels aren’t producing. Instead of exporting excess energy back to the grid, the battery stores it so you can power appliances directly from your own supply. Typical batteries range from 4–10 kWh of storage, enough to cover most household evening use. While they add to the upfront cost of a solar system, they can significantly increase self-sufficiency, reduce reliance on expensive peak-time electricity, and provide backup power during outages.

South-facing roofs provide the best performance, as they capture the maximum daylight hours. However, solar is still worthwhile on east- or west-facing roofs, typically producing around 80–90% of the energy of a south-facing system.

North-facing roofs are generally less efficient, but some homeowners with limited options still combine them with optimisers or ground-mounted syste

Shading from tall trees, chimneys, satellite dishes, or nearby buildings can reduce the amount of light hitting the panels. Even partial shading can impact output if not managed correctly. Modern technology helps to minimise shading losses:

• Power optimisers adjust each panel individually so a shaded panel won’t drag down the rest of the system.
• Microinverters convert energy panel by panel, boosting overall system efficiency in less-than-ideal conditions.

This is why its important to have work carried out by an SEAI registered installer. When you request a quote, installers usually perform a site survey or 3D shading analysis to calculate the expected annual energy output of your roof. This ensures you get a realistic picture of how solar will work for your property before committing.