Sustainability
Top questions
Heat pumps are designed for steady operation, so the best approach is “Set and Forget”. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and leave it there.
Tips for adjusting settings
- If you need to change the temperature, do it gradually and by no more than 2°C at a time.
- Avoid big temperature changes, as they reduce efficiency.
Other best practices
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to prevent draughts.
- Heat pumps work best in a stable environment.
Your installer should show you how to
- Set the room temperature
- Set the water temperature
- Set the heating schedule or curve
- Set the heating point for very cold conditions
Yes. It’s best to leave your heat pump running when you’re away for a short time. Turning it off and on can make it less efficient and use more energy.
Yes, but you don’t need to keep it running at full temperature. Most heat pumps have a holiday mode that lowers the temperature without turning the unit off completely.
What to do
- Activate holiday mode before you leave.
- Your installer should show you how to use this feature.
- You can also find instructions in your heat pump manual.
This helps save energy while keeping your system protected.
​​​​​​Yes, heat pumps can extract heat energy at very low temperatures.
Once every year will be fine, as with a fossil fuel boiler.
Heat pumps need very little maintenance. However, it’s important to keep the area around your heat pump clear.
What to do
- Remove any debris, leaves, or dirt near the unit.
- Make sure nothing blocks the airflow into or out of the heat pump.
Keeping the space clear helps your heat pump work efficiently.
Heat pumps work best in homes that are well-insulated and free from draughts. This helps reduce heat loss and makes your system more efficient.
What improvements help
- Good insulation throughout your home
- Triple-glazed windows with trickle vents
- Airtight doors
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
A high Building Energy Rating (BER) means your home is well-prepared for a heat pump.
To keep your heat pump working efficiently, avoid the following:
- Switching it off unnecessarily
- Using the “boost” function
- Using the “auto” control function
- Making large temperature changes
- Setting the room temperature too high
Following these tips helps your heat pump run smoothly and saves energy.
Yes. Heat pumps work differently from traditional boilers. Instead of heating radiators to a very high temperature for short bursts, they keep your home warm by running for longer periods at a lower temperature.
Why this happens
- Heat pumps use low temperature radiators
- This steady approach is more energy efficient and keeps your home comfortable
Heat pumps are designed to work gradually and maintain a steady temperature. Setting the thermostat higher than you need will not heat the room faster, it will only waste energy.
While switching off the heat pump would give the impression of saving energy, heat pumps require a lot of energy to ramp back up to operating temperature so turning the heat pump of and on will consume more energy than leaving it on all the time.
Heat pumps are not designed to be switched off and on. Constant switching will place a huge strain on the compressor unit and will greatly shorten the lifespan of this unit, meaning more regular repairs.
Contact your installer immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt to fix the issue yourself.
Your installer should give you all the essential documents for your heat pump.
What to expect
- A user manual
- A quick start guide
- Warranty information and any related documents
These will help you understand how to use your heat pump and keep your warranty valid.
A home battery system is a large battery connected to an inverter that stores electricity for later use. It’s often used to store extra energy from solar panels, so you can use it at night or when your panels aren’t generating power.
Why it’s useful
- It helps you save money by reducing the electricity you buy from the grid.
- It can power your home during a blackout.
Home batteries store electricity so you can use it later. When your home starts drawing power from the grid, the inverter steps in and sends the stored energy from the battery instead. This helps reduce the amount of electricity you buy from the grid.
In simple terms
- The battery stores energy for future use.
- The inverter monitors your electricity use.
- When needed, it switches to battery power instead of grid power.
Most home battery installations take about 1 to 2 days. The exact time can vary depending on your home and the system you choose.
What affects installation time
- A home survey by an experienced installer will give you a more accurate timeframe.
- Factors like your existing electrical setup and any additional equipment can influence the duration.
The space you need depends on the type of battery system your installer provides. Your installer should give you the full data sheet and help you choose the best location for the battery and other equipment.
Things to keep in mind
- The most ideal locations are in well-ventilated, fire-safe areas such as garages and utility rooms.
- Some battery models can be installed outdoors in weatherproof enclosures, however, outdoor models are usually more expensive than indoor options.
- Always confirm the exact requirements with your installer before deciding on the location.
You can install as much battery storage as you have space and budget for. There’s no technical limit, but bigger isn’t always better.
Important to know
- Oversizing your battery system won’t give you extra benefits.
- If the battery is too large, it may never fully charge.
- This means you could spend more money on a system that isn’t fully used.
Along with the battery, your system will include an inverter and a charge management panel. These work together to store and manage your energy.
What else to expect
- If additional components are needed, your installer will give you a detailed list.
- They will explain what each item does and why it’s required.
Most home battery systems use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. These are popular because they offer several advantages over other battery types.
Why LFP batteries are a good choice
- They are lightweight and compact, making them easier to install.
- They have a long lifespan and can handle more charge cycles.
- They allow a deeper discharge, so you can use more of the battery’s capacity.
No, you don’t need solar panels to install a home battery system. While batteries and solar panels are often installed together, you can choose to add a battery on its own.
Important to know if you add solar later
- If you install a battery first and decide to add solar panels afterwards, some equipment, usually the inverter, will need to be replaced to make the system work correctly.
It depends on the type of home battery system you have. Some models can provide backup power during a power cut.
What you should do
- Ask your installer if your system supports backup power.
- Your installer will explain any extra requirements needed for this feature.
A home battery on its own will not allow you to go fully off-grid. To do that, you would need a large solar PV system as well.
Key points to consider
- A typical Irish home uses about 9 to 11 kWh of electricity per day.
- A battery of that size could power your home for roughly one day without recharging.
- For a full off-grid setup, speak to an experienced solar contractor, they can advise on the right system for your needs.
While any electrician is qualified to install a home battery system, it is strongly recommended that you choose an installer with years of experience in both Solar PV and home battery system installations.
Home battery systems need very little maintenance. The main thing is to make sure the battery is placed in a location that stays dry and doesn’t get too warm.
Good to know
- No regular servicing is required.
- Keeping the battery in the right environment helps it last longer.
Most inverters come with an app that lets you track your electricity use and battery storage. The exact features depend on the inverter model.
What to expect
- Your installer will explain how the app works.
- They can also show you how to monitor your system in real time.
It can depend on the battery system, but the usual warranty tends to be 10 years.
No, installing a home battery won’t change your tariff rate. However, you might want to switch to a different tariff to make the most of your savings.
What to do if you’re considering a change
- Contact your energy provider for advice on the best tariff for your battery system.
- They can help you choose a plan that maximises your benefits.
Yes, a home battery system can add value to your home. The amount depends on the size and type of system you install.
Why it adds value
- Buyers see energy storage as a modern, cost-saving feature.
- It can make your home more attractive to those looking for energy efficiency.
Depth of discharge refers to how much of the battery’s stored energy can be used before it needs to be recharged. It’s usually shown as a percentage.
Key details
- Most home batteries have a depth of charge of about 90%, depending on the model.
- As the battery ages, this percentage may be reduced to help extend its lifespan.
Microgeneration means producing your own renewable electricity, usually with solar panels (Solar PV). Energia’s Microgeneration Scheme lets you earn money by sending any unused electricity back to the grid.
Key points:
- You generate clean energy at home.
- Any extra electricity you don’t use can be exported to the grid.
- Energia pays you for the electricity you export under the scheme.
Yes, if you meet the following requirements:
Eligibility checklist:
- You own a microgenerator, such as a solar PV system.
- You have an export grid connection.
- You have completed and submitted an NC6 form to ESB Networks (your installer may have done this for you at the time of installation of the microgenerator.).
What happens next:
- Once ESB Networks processes your NC6 form, they will notify Energia.
- We set up your export account and add payments to your electricity bill based on your export data.
Important for payment:
- If you don’t have a smart meter, you’ll need one installed by ESB Networks to get paid for your exported electricity.
- You can request a smart meter on the ESB Networks website.
You’ll need a smart meter to join the Microgeneration Scheme and receive payments for exported electricity.
What to do
- Request a smart meter installation from ESB Networks.
- You can make the request directly on the ESB Networks website.
Here’s how the process works and what you can do:
How it works
- ESB Networks sends Energia a notification when your microgeneration installation is registered.
- We update your account and email you to confirm we’ve received this information.
- If you haven’t heard from us
- Make sure your NC6 form and details were submitted correctly to ESB Networks.
- If everything is complete and you still haven’t received confirmation, please contact Energia for assistance.
No, not at the moment. To join the Microgeneration Scheme, your electricity import and export must be with the same supplier.
What to do if you want to join
- Sign up with Energia to avail of the scheme.
- Once you’re an Energia customer, we’ll help you set up your export account.
You’ll be paid 18.5 cent per kWh for exported electricity, credited to your Energia bill.
Payments are issued as a credit on your bi-monthly electricity bill, not as direct bank transfers.
No, your export payments will appear as credits on your existing Energia electricity account.
Your bill will show the export volume based on smart meter readings collected by ESB Networks.
You may qualify for a tax exemption of up to €400 per year on income from exported electricity. Speak with Revenue or your tax advisor for full details.
Deemed export is an estimated amount of electricity you export when you don’t have a smart meter. This method is less common now because smart meters provide accurate readings.
Good to know
- Deemed export is only used if a smart meter isn’t installed.
- Smart meters give exact export data, so they’re the preferred option.
The difference is in how your exported electricity is measured.
Key differences
- Metered export uses real-time data from your smart meter, so it’s accurate.
- Deemed export is an estimated amount used when smart meter data isn’t available.
Your earnings depend on how much excess electricity you export to the grid. With Energia’s current rate of 18.5c per kWh, exporting 1,000 kWh in a year could earn you about €185 in credits.
Good to know
- The more electricity you export, the more you earn.
- Payments are added as credits to your electricity bill.
- Rates can change, so check Energia.ie for the latest information.
Solar energy uses sunlight to create useful energy for your home. There are two main types of solar systems: Solar PV and Solar Thermal.
Types of Solar Systems
- Solar PV (Photovoltaic): These panels turn sunlight into electricity. They use a special material called a semiconductor that produces power when exposed to sunlight. The electricity can be used in your home, stored in a battery, or sent back to the grid.
- Solar Thermal: These panels use sunlight to heat water. A special fluid absorbs heat from the sun and moves through a sealed circuit. It then transfers the heat into a coil inside a specially designed hot water cylinder, warming your water supply.
It depends on the size and rating of your solar panels, as well as factors like weather and temperature. On average, a 3kWp Solar PV system in Ireland can generate about 2,400 kWh per year.
Good to know
- Actual output varies based on your roof orientation, shading, and local conditions.
- A technical assessment will give you a more accurate estimate for your home.
The cost depends on the size of your system and the work needed for installation. Here’s a rough guide:
Typical costs
- Solar PV: Around €1,700 to €2,000 per kWp. For example, a 4kWp system could cost about €8,000.
- Solar Thermal: Around €1,000 to €1,300 per square metre.
Good to know
- Prices vary based on your home and system design.
- A technical assessment by a registered professional will give you an accurate quote.
You can get grants from the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) for both Solar PV and Solar water heating.
Grant Details
- Solar Water Heating A grant of €1,200 is available.
- Solar PV The grant depends on the size of your solar system:
- €700 per kWp for the first 2 kWp
- An extra €200 per kWp up to 4 kWp
- The maximum grant you can receive is €1,800.
Eligibility To qualify, you must own the home, and it must have been built and occupied before 2021.
Solar panels come with two main types of warranties. These give you peace of mind about both the quality of the panels and their long-term performance.
Types of Warranties
- Materials and Workmanship Warranty: This covers defects in the panels or issues caused during installation. If something goes wrong within the warranty period, you’re protected. These warranties usually last about 10 to 12 years.
- Linear Power Warranty: Solar panels naturally lose a little efficiency over time. This warranty guarantees that your panels will keep performing above a certain level. Most manufacturers allow for about 2% loss in the first year and then a gradual decline of 0.5% to 1% each year after that. These warranties typically last 25 to 30 years.
Your installer will give you the exact details and lengths of the warranties for all components in your solar system.
You don’t need a large amount of roof space. Solar panel arrays can be designed to fit the space you have.
For best performance
- A south or south-east facing roof is ideal because it gets the most sunlight.
- Panels can still work on other roof orientations, but output may be lower.
These terms describe how electricity moves between your home and the national grid.
What Each Term Means
- From Grid / Import: This is the electricity you take from the grid to power your home. You pay for this through your electricity tariff.
- To Grid / Export: This is the electricity your solar panels generate but you don’t use at home. It is sent back to the grid.
Estimated consumption is the total amount of energy your home uses.
What’s Included
- Energy you import from the grid.
- An estimate of the energy you use from your Solar PV system.
It does not include energy exported back to the grid because that energy was not used in your home.
Estimated generation is the total amount of energy your solar PV system is expected to produce.
What’s Included
- The units of electricity you use in your home from your solar panels.
- The units of electricity your panels send back to the grid.
This gives you a simple picture of how much energy your solar PV system is generating overall.
Self-sufficiency shows how much of the energy you use at home comes from your solar panels.
What It Tells You
- The percentage is based on the energy your solar PV system generates and how much of that you use in your home.
- A higher percentage means you rely less on electricity from the grid.
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