Your guide to solar panel batteries in Ireland

Embracing renewable energy is increasingly important across the globe, and Ireland is no different. Solar panels are a fantastic choice for anyone hoping to lower their carbon footprint — and their energy bills. In fact, did you know that solar panels can save Irish homeowners over €24,000 over 25 years, according to a March 2024 survey? Solar batteries can also be an excellent investment for businesses across Ireland.

However, to truly tap into solar power's potential, solar panel batteries are essential. These batteries are the unsung heroes, storing the sun's energy for when you need it most. 

Let's explore how they work…

The solar battery storage process

1. Solar panels convert sunlight: During the day, your solar panels are busy soaking up sunlight, converting it into electrical energy. They transform the sun’s rays into direct current (DC). However, in your home, you need alternating current (AC) to power your appliances.

2. Converting DC to AC: This is where an inverter comes in, seamlessly converting DC into usable AC. But what happens when they generate more energy than you can use right away? 

3. Battery storage: Solar panel batteries come into play next. They store the extra energy, ensuring you have a supply for those less sunny moments, like during the evening or in the winter. But how? Well, any excess DC energy is directed from the solar inverter towards a charge controller. This regulates the flow of electricity, preventing overcharging and potential damage to the battery.

4. Battery chemistry: When electricity flows to the battery storage itself, a chemical reaction takes place to store the energy in a stable form — the exact process differs depending on the type of solar battery you have (lithium-ion or lead-acid). When you need power, the battery releases the stored energy as DC electricity.

5. Conversion back to usable power: The DC electricity from the battery passes through the inverter again to be converted into AC electricity.

You can then use that AC energy to power your household appliances. This process means you always have a continuous supply of power even when your solar panels aren’t generating electricity.

In Ireland, where the weather can be unpredictable, solar panel batteries make solar power a reliable and practical choice. They ensure that the energy you generate doesn’t go to waste but instead supports your home, reducing reliance on the grid and enhancing your green footprint.

Just as you have a range of solar panels to choose from — from monocrystalline to thin-film panels — there are also different varieties of solar panel batteries. We suggest familiarising yourself with the options so you can make an informed choice that works for your home or business.

Lithium-ion batteries

First up, there’s the compact and efficient lithium-ion batteries. At the forefront of solar technology, these batteries store energy efficiently with minimal loss, thanks to the movement of lithium ions. Their compact nature is perfect for homes where space might be at a premium. 

Their advanced technology also ensures that they deliver consistent performance over a longer period, potentially saving you money in the long run.

• The science: When extra DC electricity flows into these batteries, it triggers a chemical reaction. This reaction moves lithium ions from one side (positive electrode) to the other side (negative electrode), storing the energy in a stable form.

  
  

• Price: Lithium-ion solar batteries generally cost more than their lead-acid counterparts. Prices tend to start at €3,400 and increase in line with the battery capacity. 

  
  

  While lithium-ion batteries come with a higher upfront price tag, they can be a cost-effective choice long-term.

  
  

• Lifespan and maintenance: These batteries are low maintenance, however —  ideal for busy households — and they usually last for around 10-15 years.

  
  

Lead-acid batteries

For those with more space and a tighter initial budget, lead-acid batteries are a classic option. Their operation relies on a chemical reaction between lead plates and sulphuric acid.

They’re larger and heavier but offer a more economical entry point into solar battery storage.

• The science: For these batteries, the extra DC electricity also causes a different chemical reaction. It changes lead dioxide and sulfuric acid into lead sulfate at the negative electrode, storing the energy.

  
  

• Price: Lead-acid solar batteries are a cheaper option, with prices in Ireland starting at €1,500.

  
  

• Lifespan and maintenance: However, these solar batteries have a shorter lifespan — usually five to seven years — and need more maintenance than lithium-ion alternatives.

  
  

In Ireland, the choice between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries will depend on your long-term energy goals, available space, and budget. Each type has its own set of advantages and trade-offs, which you’ll need to weigh carefully against your specific energy needs and finances.

Are you wondering what happens when your solar panels produce surplus energy? Instead of allowing this extra energy to dissipate or sending it back to the power grid, solar panel batteries store it.

When the solar panels are not generating electricity, you can utilise the stored reserves, ensuring a consistent power supply to your home.

Incorporating solar panel batteries into your Irish home’s energy system is a wise decision — but is it mandatory? The answer is no. You can absolutely install solar panels without a battery. However, we recommend researching the benefits of solar battery storage before ruling out the idea altogether. 

Fortunately for you, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons so you don’t need to collate the information.

Solar panel battery pros

Let’s start with the advantages. After all, even though it’s not a requirement to install a solar battery with your panels, these additions can  Although a battery isn’t a requirement for solar panels, it can benefit both homeowners and businesses across Ireland.

1. Cost savings: Perhaps the most significant and appealing perk of a PV solar battery is how much it can reduce your energy bills. Because solar batteries ensure you maximise every bit of electricity your solar panels generate, you can use the stored energy at peak times, when electricity rates from EirGrid.

2. Independent energy production: Likewise, you don’t need to rely on EirGrid for your energy supply. A solar battery helps you ensure a consistent power supply even during local or national outages.

3. Reduced carbon emissions: Solar batteries can also lower your carbon footprint. Ideal for eco-conscious homeowners and businesses looking to transition to green energy, a solar battery reduces your reliance on fossil fuels.

4. Government incentives: The Irish government has launched some financial incentives to encourage more homeowners and businesses to install solar panels. The SEAI’s Solar Electricity Grant, for example, is open to all homeowners, including private landlords, provided your property was built before January 2021. Under this scheme, you can receive up to €2,100 to help towards the cost of a solar panel system.

For homeowners, the SEAI grant can cover a significant portion of the installation costs, making solar panels and batteries more accessible. This financial support is a game-changer for many, reducing the initial investment and making the switch to solar energy more feasible.

Similar incentives are available for businesses, too. These grants can help offset the cost of transitioning to a solar-powered system, ensuring businesses can contribute to a greener future without bearing the full financial burden.

Find out what other financial support is available by visiting our guide to solar panel grants and incentives in Ireland.

When making any home improvement, we feel it’s essential to get the full picture — including any drawbacks of your investment. Therefore, we suggest taking note of the following potential downsides of installing a solar panel battery.

• A higher upfront investment: No matter which type or size solar panel battery you go for, the purchase and installation present a significant upfront cost, which can be a barrier for some homeowners and businesses in Ireland.

  
  

• Lifespan: Solar panels tend to last longer than solar batteries — over 20 years in comparison to a battery’s five to 15 years. This means you may need to replace your battery storage long before upgrading your solar panels, resulting in multiple replacement costs. 

  
  

• Space requirements: It’s also worth noting that you need a dedicated space for your battery. You’ll usually need at least 1.2 square metres (12 square feet), including requisite space around the battery unit.

As with many home improvements, solar panel prices can vary greatly, depending on a few key factors.

The battery cost itself

Generally, you can expect to invest anywhere from €1,500 to €6,000 for each solar panel battery. This wide range is primarily down to the type and capacity of the battery you select.

As we’ve explored, lithium-ion batteries tend to be at the higher end of the price range because they offer a longer lifespan and boast greater efficiency in energy storage and output. 

On the more economical side, lead-acid batteries present a viable option. They're the traditional choice in solar energy storage, known for their reliability and lower initial investment. However, in our experience, they tend to be bulkier and have a shorter lifespan, meaning their overall lifetime value may be less than that of lithium-ion batteries.

Other factors that may influence the price

Besides the solar battery type, there are several other aspects that can affect how much you’ll pay. For example, the battery's capacity — a larger capacity typically comes with a higher price tag. The brand and technology of the battery also play roles in determining the cost. 

Installation costs

It’s also important to factor installation costs in when planning your solar panels and solar batteries. This price can range from a few hundred euros to over a thousand, depending on the complexity of your setup and the expertise of the installer. 

Remember, a well-done installation can maximise the efficiency of your battery, so it's worth investing in skilled professionals.

Absolutely, in Ireland, you can indeed sell solar power back to the grid! This process is known as a feed-in tariff or a microgeneration scheme. It allows homeowners who generate excess electricity from their solar panels to sell this surplus back to EirGrid.

The Irish government is actively encouraging renewable energy use, and this scheme is a key part of that effort. It not only helps offset the cost of your solar panel installation but also promotes sustainable energy practices. By selling excess power, you’re not just earning some money back, but you’re also contributing to a greener, more sustainable energy system in Ireland.

Ready to embrace the power of the sun in Ireland? Solar panel batteries are your key to unlocking a sustainable and efficient energy future. 

And if you need a solar panel quote for your home or business in Ireland, the SpotDif comparison tool is just what you need. Whether you’re looking to install solar panels and a battery in Ireland or upgrade your current solar panel system by adding battery storage, we can help you find the right supplier for your needs.

Our comprehensive comparison tool will take the guesswork out of finding a trusted and reliable solar panel battery provider. The best bit? We’ll do all the hard work for you. Simply provide us with a few details of what you need, and we’ll compare top-rated solar companies from across the country, showcasing the results that best match your needs. Get started today for an investment that will help you lead a greener and more affordable lifestyle.