Solar Panels: A Roof That Pays
Turn your home into a renewable power station! SEAI are now offering Solar Grants for Solar Photovoltaic panels for homeowners and agricultural units. It’s the perfect home heating solution and will save you money on your heating bills, a win-win situation no matter what the weather.
Believe it or not, your electricity bill will be the 2nd largest financial commitment you will ever make, after your mortgage. While you will one day pay off your mortgage, your electricity bill is a lifelong commitment.
Until now, we haven’t had a choice but to commit ourselves to this ever-increasing drain on our finances at the mercy of energy companies. But now we have a choice. After all, it makes perfect financial sense to make the effort towards self-sustainability and make your own electricity from solar energy systems for a fraction of the cost that you will otherwise end up paying.
It can feel like there are lots of elements to consider before switching to solar panel energy and while it is a big move, it will ultimately pay off. So, with that in mind, we've put together a guide to cover all bases and get you ready for great savings.
How do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels are designed to absorb the sun's rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating. They work by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. Simply put, they convert sunlight into electricity.
We will specifically look at Solar PV panels that capture light from the sun to power everything from your oven to your phone charger. A Solar PV system usually carries a 25-year performance warranty, meaning you’ll be getting free electricity for at least that period and actually longer.
Why Should I Switch to Solar Panel Energy?
As well as generating electricity for all your electrical goods, when there is any excess of supply, it will heat your water before being exported to the grid. So, hot showers for everyone in the home.
Solar PV also help reduce the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere and reduce the need for fossil fuels. It really is a win-win situation for everyone. Generally, you won't need planning permission for solar panels taking up less than 50% of the total area of the roof (i.e, the average six panel system).
Installing solar panels can result in savings of €200 – €800 on your yearly domestic bill. You may also be eligible for a rebate if your home was built before 2011.
When installed correctly, solar panels can be expected to last over 20 years. It’s also worth noting solar panels can increase the value of your home, if you’re considering selling in the future.
Solar panels are a lower maintenance energy source – they only need to be serviced on average once every three years, in comparison to once a year for boilers.
Who Should I Talk To?
A list of registered installers is available here.
Home Insurance With Liberty
So, it really does make sense to have a roof that pays. All the electricity, hot water, and smiles all round while saving money. What’s not to love? A little bit of work at the start for a lifetime of energy and more money in your pocket.
At Liberty Insurance, we're committed to futureproofing your life. That’s why we offer simple and affordable home insurance, with features and benefits and quotes available online.