PV FAQ's
There's never been a better time to buy solar PV. The amount of energy you use, your usage patterns, the amount of energy you can offset, the structure and kind of roof you have, and other factors will all affect the cost of your solar installation. Contact us right now to learn which system is best for your house!
The simple answer is yes! The long answer is that, while Ireland receives a fair amount of rain, solar PV systems generate electricity during the day and continue to function effectively on overcast days.
Patrick Lynch Renewables will ensure that your solar PV is properly positioned to maximize your solar PV generation.
Most residential solar panel installations take no more than three days and cause minimal disruption. The majority of the work will typically be done on the roof, in your attic, and at your fuse box. Our skilled and fully qualified roofers will install the mounting system on the roof first, followed by the panels. Patrick Lynch Renewables will then connect the cables from the panels to the shutdown device, which will be wired to the inverter, where the power is converted from DC to AC. At this point, A/C power is delivered to your fuseboard.
Patrick Lynch Renewables are registered with SEAI, and have installed plenty of solar PV which have been grant approved. SEAI provide a solar grant of up to €2,100 for the installation of solar PV panels. The grant is available to all owners of homes that were built and occupied before December 2020, and where the SEAI has not previously provided support for solar PV systems at that address
Solar panels can minimizes our emissions from utilizing power and has a significant impact on our environment. Solar Panels that are installed can save up to 100kg of CO2 per year.
Installing a solar panel system on your home will lower your electricity costs and shield you from potential increases in electricity prices. Whatever your location, installing solar is a wise investment. The exact amount you may save will depend on your local power prices and how well you utilize your panels inside your house. Additionally, it raises your home's BER rating, which might raise its value.
Yes, Solar PV system will continue to produce electricity even on days when the sun is not shining. Solar PV panels operate based on solar radiance, so they are able to generate power even on cloudy days. While the panels will produce more electricity on days with clear blue skies, our system sizing takes into consideration both cloudy days and the orientation of your panels to ensure maximum efficiency.
During a blackout, solar panel systems connected to the grid will shut off automatically for safety reasons. To provide backup power during blackouts, inverters can be purchased along with a battery. Installing a switch over device and additional wiring is necessary for this option. The cost of implementing this backup power solution will depend on your home's specific needs.
Solar panels are recognized for their resilience and capacity to endure extreme weather like snow, wind, and hail. Although specific parts of your solar energy system may require replacement at different times, you can anticipate your system to produce electricity for approximately 25 to 35 years.
EV Car Charger FAQ's
There are a few things to consider when deciding where to put a home charge point:
1. Does it need to be hidden from view?
This is really a matter of preference, but it makes a difference to whether a tethered or untethered charge point is installed. An untethered charge point looks tidy because the cable can be detached and put somewhere else. But a tethered cable will have the cable coiled around it, which may look unsightly at the front of a house.
2. Can the charger pick up the home’s WiFi signal from the desired charge point position?
EV chargers need access to the home's WiFi signal to take advantage of smart features, such as off-peak energy tariff and remote charging. So, ensure the charger is installed in a position where the signal can reach it.
3. How far is the desired charge point position from the home’s consumer unit?
A standard installation uses 15m of cable. If the distance between the charge point and consumer unit is more than that, groundworks may be needed, which will increase the cost of installation.
The frequency with which an electric car needs to be charged varies depending on two things:
The size of the car’s battery: a vehicle with a battery capacity of around 100kW won't need charging as often as a vehicle with a battery capacity of about 30kW, providing they’re doing the same mileage.
The number of miles traveled: a car that travels 50 miles a day needs to be charged more often than a car that travels 10 miles a day, assuming they have the same size battery.
EV batteries should only be charged to 80% capacity for efficiency because the heat from constant charging can degrade the battery over its lifetime.
16 amps are needed to charge a car with a 3.7kW AC charge point, and 32 amps are required for a 7kW AC charge point. These are the most common charger types used in homes
While it’s possible to use a charging cable with a standard 3-pin plug to charge an electric car, they must not be used with extension cords. An extension cord will increase the risk of electric shocks and fire
No. EV home charger installation must only be carried out by an electrician qualified in fitting EV chargers. It’s not a job for a DIYer.
Yes, you can charge an EV in the rain because all charge points, cables, and connectors are waterproof.
Smart EV chargers have built-in technology that helps regulate how electricity is delivered to the vehicle. For example, they can automatically schedule charging for off-peak times when energy tariffs are cheaper. They can also charge when renewable energy is being provided, offsetting the car's carbon footprint. In addition, the user can control the charger from their smartphone and receive performance reports.
The power output of EV chargers can range from 3.7kW to over 100kW. And the higher the power is, the faster the charger can charge. However, electric vehicle batteries usually have a limit as to how much power they can take. So, if an electric car can only take 7kW of power, there’s no point in installing a charge point with a higher power output than that.
If the home has solar panels installed, or solar panels are likely to be installed in the future, opt for an EV home charger with solar compatibility. Not all EV chargers are compatible, so always check.
There are two main types of EV charger: untethered and tethered.
Untethered chargers can connect to all EVs, but require you to provide your own compatible charging cable because they don’t come with one themselves. The main benefit of this type of socket is its flexibility, while the main drawback is the fact that you need to provide the cable yourself and transport it around.
Tethered chargers come with a charging cable attached – you simply park up and plug in. This is the most convenient type of charger.
No, although it might be more cost-effective for you to do so. Some energy suppliers offer reduced rates for overnight EV charging, which means you can charge your car while you sleep while paying less for your kWh than you would during the day.