Solar Energy Systems for Homes, Farms, & Businesses

Yes, your system will still generate electricity on cloudy or rainy days, although efficiency may be reduced. Solar panels can capture diffuse sunlight, which is the sunlight scattered by clouds, allowing them to produce power even when it's overcast. The amount of power generated depends on the thickness of the cloud cover and the angle of the sun. Typically, during the winter months, the system generates 15-20% of what it would in the summer.

We recommend periodically checking that the app is working and that the system is producing power. Additionally, you should inspect the panels for dirt, debris, or dust that could block sunlight, and clean them as necessary to ensure optimal performance. We also provide a 10-year workmanship warranty, which covers any issues that may arise with your system.

The homeowner is responsible for applying for the grant using their own bank details. The company cannot apply on your behalf. We will send you a step-by-step guide on how to apply. The application process takes around 5-10 minutes. Please follow the instructions we provide. If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact us. The grant will be paid directly into our account, so you only need to worry about the net cost.

Yes, there is a grant available for an electric vehicle (EV) home charger. The grant typically offers up to €300 towards the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charger.
• Application: You must apply for the grant before purchasing and installing the charger. Once the installation is complete, you can submit your claim.
• For more information and to apply, visit the SEAI Electric Vehicle Home Charging Scheme page:
SEAI Electric Vehicle Home Charging Scheme

You can find the grant details and application process here:
SEAI Electric Vehicle Home Charging Scheme

The number of panels you need depends on factors such as energy consumption, panel efficiency, and the amount of sunlight your location receives.
• Energy Consumption: The average household in Ireland uses around 4,000-5,000 kWh of electricity annually. A single solar panel typically generates 300-350 kWh per year, so 2 or 3 panels may not be enough to meet your needs.
• Panel Efficiency: More panels are needed for higher energy demands, such as electric heating, electric cars, or multiple high-energy appliances.
• Geography & Climate: In areas with less sunlight (e.g. more cloudy days in Ireland), more panels are required to generate the same amount of electricity as in sunnier locations.
• System Sizing: If you want to cover all your energy needs or have battery storage, you may need a larger system (16 panels) to ensure sufficient generation.

Optimisers are devices that manage the output of each solar panel, particularly in systems with shading, mismatched panels, or varying orientations. They can improve system performance, reduce power loss, and enhance monitoring.
Optimisers are worth the investment if your roof has partial shading, uneven panel orientations, or mismatched panels, as they will maximise energy output. If your system is simple and unshaded, you might not need them.

A ground-mounted solar PV system is ideal if you have ample space and want to optimise panel orientation, avoid roof constraints, or plan for a larger system.
• Ground mounts offer better energy production and are easier to maintain compared to roof-mounted systems.
• They require more space and come with higher installation costs, so it’s important to consider your specific property and energy needs.

Home and Agri Energy handles all the groundwork, which includes site assessment, design, and installation. On-site, we use equipment such as a digger to prepare the land for installation.
For ground-mounted systems, the groundwork typically involves:
• Land preparation: Clearing vegetation, levelling the ground, or addressing obstacles.
• Electrical setup: Running electrical wiring and connecting the panels to the inverter, which may require digging a trench.
We use systems like the auger ground mount and tree base system.

We typically install our inverters outdoors or in a garage/shed, ensuring they are IP rated to withstand Irish weather.
• Inverters should be placed where there is adequate ventilation and protection from direct sunlight.
• We avoid installing inverters in attics, as the summer heat can impact performance. The inverter should be installed in a location that is easy to access and free from obstructions.

The number of panels needed depends on various factors such as energy consumption, roof space, system design, and geographical location.
• Energy Consumption: Your neighbour may use less electricity, have energy-efficient appliances, or a smaller household.
• Roof Space & Orientation: If your roof has more space or a better angle towards the sun, you might need fewer panels.
• System Design: A larger system (more panels) might be needed if your consumption is higher or if you plan to charge batteries.
• Geographical Location: Areas with less sunlight (e.g. northern Ireland) require more panels to meet energy demands.

You should see a reduction in your energy bills immediately after installation. The most significant savings will be seen in the first 12 months. You’ll also notice substantial savings during the summer months as you build up credits for winter use. Solar systems typically have a 20-25 year lifespan, meaning long-term savings over the life of the system.

If there’s an issue with your solar PV system, contact our customer service or support team.
We provide a 10-year workmanship warranty that covers any issues with the system installation.
• Phone: Call our support number (provided in your system documentation).
• Email: Send an email explaining the issue for assistance.
For emergencies, such as electrical faults or safety concerns, turn off the system and contact us immediately or reach out to an emergency electrician.

You may need a battery if:
• You consume a lot of electricity in the evening or at night when solar panels aren’t generating power.
• You generate more electricity than you use during the day and aren’t paid well for exporting excess energy.
• You want to achieve higher energy self-sufficiency or reduce reliance on the grid.
• You want to charge your battery during cheap night-rate electricity and use it during higher-rate periods.
You may not need a battery if:
• Your energy use is mainly during the day, and your solar system covers most of that.
• You export excess energy back to the grid and receive a good compensation rate.
• Your energy consumption is low, and the upfront cost of a battery isn't justified.

Although solar energy generation is lower in winter due to shorter days and more cloud cover, there are ways to make it beneficial:
1. Maximise Summer Solar Production: In the summer, your system generates more electricity. Any excess can be exported to the grid, building up credits to use in the winter months.
2. Battery Storage: You can use off-peak night tariffs to charge your battery, which can then be used during the day in winter, when solar generation is lower.
This approach helps offset higher electricity costs during winter.

At H&A, our design team specializes in creating tailored solar installations that fit your lifestyle. We take into account factors such as your energy consumption, daily habits (e.g., how often you take showers, whether you use the dryer regularly, etc.), and other relevant details to create a system that meets your specific needs.
1. Bespoke Systems: Each system is designed individually to suit the unique requirements of your household.
2. Targeted Savings: We aim to reduce your bills by 80% to 100%. Many of our customers even receive credits in the form of cheques. This success is due to our investment in technology and ongoing training, enabling us to reach such high savings targets.