Author - mysolaradmin

In an average Irish household, numerous appliances are in operation on a daily basis. However, have you ever wondered which appliances consume the most electricity and which ones are more economical? Let's delve into this topic.

To understand electricity consumption, we measure it in kilowatt hours (kWh). A kilowatt (kW) comprises 1,000 watts, so when an appliance with a power rating of 1 kW runs for an hour, it consumes 1 kWh of energy.

Now, let's explore which appliances tend to be more expensive to run and how we can minimise our consumption and subsequent bills.

One of the initial steps is understanding which appliances utilise the most electricity. Another crucial factor is employing smart practices regarding the timing and frequency of appliance usage.

When purchasing an appliance, its manual usually provides information about its energy consumption. It is advisable to keep this information rather than discarding it.

In general, the higher the power rating in kW, the more energy an appliance consumes. For instance, a 3 kW appliance consumes three times as much energy as a 1 kW device per hour of usage, and five times as much energy as a 600-watt (0.6 kW) device.

However, some appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and computers only operate at their maximum power rating for short durations, making it challenging to calculate their precise energy consumption and associated costs.

Nonetheless, a useful rule of thumb is that appliances which generate heat quickly tend to be more expensive to operate. Consider items such as kettles, hair dryers, tumble dryers, and electric showers – they have a significant appetite for electricity.

Let's now examine the potential costs of operating a few appliances throughout the day.

Note: The actual cost will depend on the energy efficiency of the specific appliance, its size, and the unit rate for electricity. For example, a G-rated 65" TV will consume more energy compared to a C-rated 42" TV.

Most modern appliances, especially washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and TVs, are far more efficient than older models. However, energy efficiency ratings (ranging from A to G) are still valuable when choosing an appliance. A-rated appliances are the most energy-efficient.

Furthermore, if you have a night saver meter or a new smart meter installed, you may have the opportunity to benefit from cheaper electricity rates by adjusting your energy usage to off-peak hours.

Appliance/Activity	Energy Of Appliance	Cost inc. VAT @ 9%*	Based on Usage Of
Immersion	3 kW	€2.58	2 Hours to fully heat 120-litre tank from cold
Tumble dryer	3 kW	€1.25	1 Hour of drying
Cooking (Oven/Electric)	2.5 kW	€1.05	1 Hour of cooking
Dishwasher (D Rated)	1.5 kW per cycle	€0.65	Standard 65º cycle
Iron	2.5 kW	€1.02	Hour of Ironing
Desktop Computer	0.2 kW	€0.40	8 Hours of use
Washing Machine (D Rated)	1 kW per cycle	€0.45	Standard 40º Wash
Fridge/Freezer	0.18 kW/350 kWh annual	€0.41	24 Hours running
Electric Shower	9.5 kW	€0.68	10 Mins shower
Laptop	0.1 kW	€0.20	8 Hours of use
Kettle	2.5 kW	€0.18	10 Mins of boiling
TV (55" D rated)	100 kW per 1,000 hours	€0.12 4	Hours of use
Lightbulb 60 Watt	0.06 kW	€0.15	6 Hours of light
Hair Dryer	2 kW	€0.30	20 Mins of use
Vacuum Cleaner	0.7 kW	€0.15	30 Mins of usage
Router	0.01 kW	€0.08	One Day’s usage
Microwave	0.8 kW	€0.09	15 Mins of use
Toaster	1.5 kW	€0.10	10 Mins of use

What determines the cost?

If you are planning on getting solar panels, know that the price range can vary significantly. There are many factors that determine the total solar panel installation cost. The most important aspect is how many solar panels you will need. Getting even 2 kW of panels will be advantageous. Your bill will certainly be much smaller. However, a big family, which also has an electric car, would benefit from 9 kW panels. Of course, the more panels you have, the more electricity can be generated.

The quality of solar panels

Another determining factor is the quality of your chosen solar panels. Like everything else on the market, solar panels can also vary in quality. You may find companies that offer surprisingly cheap solar panels, but usually, they aren't trustworthy, and, as years go on, they won't produce as much power as promised. Good quality solar panels shouldn't break your bank. For a medium price, you can get an excellent product. Of course, there are premium options available too. Some solar panels cost around €250 extra per kilowatt, but they have high efficiency and good design. Using MySolar services, you can expect to receive top-notch solar panels for a reasonable price. There is no up-front installation cost with us, just an easily-manageable monthly payment. Depending on your needs, it can be from as little as €29.50. Moreover, the electricity you save every month pays for the investment!

What are the maintenance costs for solar panels in Ireland?

The instalment costs are just one part of the expenses. Once you instal the solar panels, you probably expect to also pay for maintenance, right? Well, not with us! At MySolar, we guarantee our solar panels function as promised. The reason why solar power is such an attractive option is that it is a long-term solution. After you have installed the solar panels, you can forget about them entirely. All you have to do is check your bills and enjoy the savings!

Do solar panels save you money?

In the past year, the electricity prices have gone up the roof. Buying solar panels is a long-term investment, which is guaranteed to save you a lot of money – as long as there is plenty of sunlight exposure. If you wish to learn more, we've created a simple tool to calculate your potential savings. With solar panels, a household can expect to save up to €1,000 a year. Since the energy costs are rising, your savings will likely increase even more over time. What is more, solar energy grants are available in Ireland too. If your home was built before 2011 and you use a registered contractor from the SEAI’s Renewable Installers Register for Solar PV, you can get a reimbursement for up to €3000. Note that SEAI solar grant is only paid after the works have been finished. Getting solar panels may seem like an expensive investment at first, but the incredible savings make up for it. Since electricity is getting more expensive, now is the best time to switch to solar power. If you are looking for solar panel servicing in Ireland, we will happily assist!

Yes, it is possible to charge an electric car (EV) from a solar power system. In order to do this, you would need to have a solar power system installed at your home or the location where your EV is parked, and connect the system to an electric car charging station. The charging station would convert the electricity generated by the solar panels into a form that can be used to charge the car's battery.

There are several options to achieve this.

• One option would be to install a solar power system and connect it to an inverter, which will convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home and charge your EV.
• Another option would be to install a DC-coupled system, which is designed to directly charge an EV battery using the DC power generated by the solar panels, bypassing the need for an inverter.
• Additionally, you could install a 'bidirectional charger' which can both charge the vehicle with excess solar energy, and use grid power to charge the vehicle at night or when the solar energy production is not sufficient.

You should be aware that the size of the solar power system you would need would depend on a few factors, such as the size of your EV's battery, how often you plan to charge the car, and how much sun your location receives. It's always recommended to consult with a solar expert or contractor to help you determine the optimal size for your system and your needs.

What is Solar Energy? A Glossary of Common Solar Terms

Solar energy doesn't have to be confusing or complicated. If you've been looking at solar systems for your home, business or school, you've probably heard some unfamiliar industry jargon. We're here to simplify your solar experience with this simple explanation of the key terms. MySolar is always available to help with any questions you may have and help you learn more about this source of clean renewable power.

Here are brief definitions for some key terms related to solar power:

1. Solar Panel: A device that converts sunlight into electricity.
2. Photovoltaic (PV) Cell: A component of a solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity.
3. Inverter: A device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used in homes and businesses.
4. Solar Array: A group of interconnected solar panels.
5. Solar Farm: A large-scale solar power generation facility, typically covering many acres of land.
6. Solar Energy System: A complete setup that includes solar panels, an inverter, and other components necessary to generate electricity from sunlight.
7. Solar Irradiance: The amount of sunlight that reaches a particular location on Earth.
8. Peak Sun Hours: The amount of time each day during which the sun is at its maximum intensity, typically between 10am and 2pm.
9. Solar Thermal Energy: Energy from sunlight that is converted into heat, typically used for heating water or air.
10. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): A technology that uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto a small area to generate high-temperature heat, which is then used to generate electricity.
11. Net Metering: A billing arrangement where excess electricity generated by a solar energy system is sent back to the electrical grid, and the customer is credited for the electricity generated.
12. Solar Energy Storage: A system that stores excess solar energy for later use, typically in batteries.
13. Solar Efficiency: The percentage of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into usable electricity.
14. Off-Grid Solar Power: A solar energy system that is not connected to the electrical grid, typically used in remote locations where traditional power sources are not available.
15. What does 1 kW of solar mean? Sometimes called 'rated capacity' or 'rated output', this is taken to be 1,000 watts (or 1 kW) of sunlight for every square metre of panel. Most domestic solar panel systems have a capacity of between 1 kW and 4 kW.

The benefits of solar energy are undeniable. It is not difficult to see why more and more people choose to invest in solar panels. Still, deciding between switching to a solar system requires serious consideration. Like with everything, there are advantages and disadvantages to take into account. Here we take a look at them.

Advantages of solar energy

Smaller bills

One of the best parts about using solar energy is that it allows you to save some money. Since some of your energy needs will be covered by the electricity your solar panels have generated, your bills will be smaller. Especially in 2022, when the prices of electricity are going up, this is a major benefit. Moreover, you may even get payments for the surplus energy you have exported back to the grid.

It's more environmentally friendly

Currently, making more sustainable lifestyle choices is the responsibility of each individual. Using solar energy is one of the best ways to minimise your impact on the planet. According to research, solar power generates less carbon and pollutants. That, in turn, makes the water fresher, the air cleaner and the future – much brighter. Another great thing about using solar energy is that it is renewable – unlike other options that rely on non-renewable resources, for example, gas.

Using solar panels requires low maintenance

If you've never really thought about using solar panels, it might seem like a complicated concept. But, in reality, they don't require almost any maintenance! After you have installed the solar panels, all you have to do is wait for your bill to arrive, which, thankfully, will be much smaller than usual. The only aspect you should pay attention to is whether there aren't any branches or leaves accumulating on top of them. Of course, if there is occasional rain or snow, that shouldn't be an issue.

Be more independent

If there comes a time you wish to escape everything and everyone and go completely off the grid, solar power gives you the opportunity to do it. Using it, you don't have to rely on traditional energy sources because your home can be managed entirely based on what you generate. Those who prefer a more 'natural' lifestyle can see the beauty in this.

Disadvantages of solar power

Installation cost is high

The initial cost of buying and installing solar panels can be pretty high. The price depends on your energy demands and local reimbursement. Before making the decision, consider how long you are planning to stay in the home. If you don't plan to live there long-term, perhaps the investment doesn't pay off. However, there is a way around it. By choosing our services, there is no up-front cost because we offer monthly payments. Moreover, the money saved on electricity bills can cover the previous expenses.

They aren't suited for every home

For solar panels to work, you obviously need sunlight. If there is not enough of it (regardless of whether it is due to climate or shade), it is probably not the most viable option. It is worth remembering that solar panels necessarily don't have to be installed on your roof – they can also be placed in a different part of your property. To avoid the risks, it is a good idea to get batteries that store solar power. As you can see from the list, the advantages most often exceed the disadvantages. Solar energy is an excellent way to reduce costs while lowering your carbon footprint. So why not make use of this opportunity? We'd be happy to set you up with the best solar system in Ireland!

Switching to solar energy can be frightening at first. You have probably heard about the expensive installation costs – they can really be daunting. If you are thinking about making the investment, you are probably wondering – are solar panels worth it in Ireland? The answer is – yes! Moreover, by choosing our services, you don't have to worry about saving up thousands for the instalment process. We offer a monthly subscription, which significantly reduces the stress of investing in one.

Solar panels for home

It is no secret Ireland gets its fair share of damp skies. Not having plenty of sunlight, of course, is the biggest risk of owning solar panels. Luckily, we also get around 260 sunny days per year. By using our solar panels, the sun's power can be transformed into electricity regardless of what hour of the day it is. If you are worried about choosing large solar panels, it may be a good idea to invest in a medium-sized solar panel first. In Ireland's weather conditions, it typically generates around 4,000 units of electricity. For an average household, that means about 70% of your electricity needs will be covered. If there is any excess – you can export it to the grid! There are many benefits to using solar panels in Ireland. Here are a few of them:

• Your bills will be much smaller. By using solar panels, you can significantly save money. In fact, in just a few years, your investment will have paid off entirely! If you obtain a grant, it is worth it even more.
• Did you know that even one installation of solar panels can save up to 1 metric tonne of CO2 a year? That's right. If you care about reducing Ireland's carbon footprint (as you should), switching to solar energy is a wise move.
• Solar energy is renewable. That means it is impossible to use it up. According to studies, green energy has huge ecological benefits. In 2022, that is more important than ever.
• Forget about hassles – solar panels require almost no maintenance. When installed properly (using our services), they can last even 25 to 40 years, sometimes even longer. As technology advances, the number is expected to go up even more.
• Be a boss of your own life! When you have solar panels, you don't have to rely on anyone or anything. Instead, you can generate the electricity you need on your own.

How much money can you save in Ireland?

The biggest drawback of getting solar panels is typically their high cost. By choosing MySolar services, that is not an issue since there is no up-front installation cost. We offer an easily-manageable monthly payment of as little as €29.50. From our experience, typical household savings with using solar panels can be up to €1,000 a year. Of course, the more electricity you use, the more you can save. If you add a battery, your savings can be boosted up to 70%, in some cases, even more. Since the electricity prices have gone through the roof, it is becoming more evident that choosing solar energy in Ireland is the way to go. Not just because it is cheaper in long term – it is also better for the environment. If you wish to find out how much money could solar panels potentially save you, make use of our quick tool here. Our team will happily answer any questions regarding the solar panel instalment process. There has never been a better time to go solar!