The Simple Maths of Solar Savings
Every kWh you generate from your solar panels is a kWh you don't have to buy from your supplier at 35-45 cent. Over a year, this adds up to hundreds — sometimes over a thousand — euro in savings.
How Much Does a Typical Irish Home Generate?
Solar generation depends on your system size and location. Ireland receives approximately 900-1,100 kWh of solar energy per kWp (kilowatt-peak) of installed capacity per year. A typical south-facing 4kW system in Ireland generates around 3,600-4,400 kWh per year.
That's equivalent to about 80-100% of the average Irish household's annual electricity consumption.
Self-Consumption vs. Export
Not all the energy your panels generate gets used directly in your home. The proportion you use directly (self-consumption) depends on your habits and whether you have a battery.
Without a battery: Typical self-consumption is 40-50% — the rest is exported to the grid.
With a battery: Self-consumption rises to 70-80%, dramatically increasing the value of your solar system.
At 40 cent/kWh import rate, each kWh you self-consume saves you 40 cent. Each kWh you export earns you approximately 21 cent through the Clean Export Guarantee. So maximising self-consumption is the priority.
Real Savings Examples
3kW system, no battery: Generates ~2,700 kWh/year. Self-consume 40% (1,080 kWh at €0.40 = €432 saved) + export 60% (1,620 kWh at €0.21 = €340 earned). Total annual benefit: ~€772.
4kW system, no battery: Generates ~3,600 kWh/year. Self-consume 40% (1,440 kWh × €0.40 = €576) + export (2,160 kWh × €0.21 = €454). Total: ~€1,030.
4kW system with battery: Generates ~3,600 kWh/year. Self-consume 75% (2,700 kWh × €0.40 = €1,080) + export (900 kWh × €0.21 = €189). Total: ~€1,269.
Payback Period
A 4kW system from Billmanage is priced at €4,800 fully installed (4 × €1,200/kW). After the SEAI grant of €2,100, your net cost is approximately €2,700. At €1,030 annual savings, that's a payback period of under 3 years — with 22+ years of essentially free electricity after that.
Get Your Personalised Estimate
Use Billmanage's free Solar ROI Calculator to get an estimate based on your actual roof orientation, location, and electricity usage. Or request a free quote from our network of SEAI-registered installers.