With the growth in renewable energy sources across the country and the world, more homeowners in Northern Ireland are considering solar power as an affordable and eco-friendly option. Although the upfront costs of solar panel installation may seem daunting, there are budget-friendly options available that make transitioning to solar energy more accessible than ever. We’ll explore affordable solar panel installation options, starting with a 10-panel system, and discuss budget-friendly extras like the MyEnergi Eddi hot water diverter, which can help you save even more on your energy bills. We’ll also look at how the falling cost of solar panels and increased efficiency make solar energy a more attractive investment today.
The 10-Panel System: A Cost-Effective Solar Solution
For homeowners looking for an entry-level solar PV system, our smallest and most affordable option is a 10-panel system paired with a string inverter. This setup is ideal for those with smaller electric bills or roofs, or even those looking to dip their toes into solar energy without the commitment of a larger, more expensive system. This 10-panel system can still deliver great savings on your electric bill and at the same time reduces your reliance on the grid.
The price of the 10-panel system with a 3.6kWh string inverter depends largely on the type of roof that the panels will be fitted to:
- Tin Roof: £3,700 (the most cost-effective option)
- Tile Roof: £3,900 (moderate pricing)
- Slate Roof: £4,150 (the most expensive due to the additional work required)
The type of roof not only affects installation time but also the complexity of the mounting system needed. Tin roofs, for example, are quicker to install panels on, which drops the cost of labour, while slate roofs require more care and specialised mounting to ensure the panels are properly fitted without damaging the slates.
Lower Panel Costs and Improved Efficiency
In recent years, the price of solar panels has dropped significantly, making solar systems far more affordable for homeowners. Take a look at the graph below which very clearly illustrates this. This decrease in cost, combined with improvements in panel efficiency, means you now get more energy production for your investment. Modern solar panels are capable of converting sunlight into electricity at higher rates, meaning you need fewer panels to generate the same amount of power compared to older systems. This makes solar energy not just more affordable upfront, but also more efficient in the long run.
VAT Relief and Payments for Excess Energy
As of 1 May 2023, residential solar PV systems are 0% VAT until 1 April 2027. This VAT relief reduces the overall cost of installation, helping the end customer save on upfront expenses.
On top of these reduced installation costs, Northern Ireland homeowners benefit from payments for excess electricity exported to the grid. If your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can sell the excess back to the grid. Power NI currently pays 10.32p per unit for excess electricity, adding another revenue stream to your investment. This is especially beneficial if your home uses less electricity during times of peak production (during the day), allowing you to profit from the excess solar power your system generates.
Affordable Extras: The MyEnergi Eddi Hot Water Diverter
To further enhance the value of your solar investment, we offer the MyEnergi Eddi hot water diverter, a smart addition for homeowners. This affordable extra, available for £500 installed, uses surplus electricity generated by your solar panels to heat your water. Instead of letting that extra energy be exported to the grid, the Eddi efficiently diverts it to your water heater, helping you reduce the cost of gas or oil used to heat water.
The MyEnergi Eddi is most helpful for households that produce more solar electricity than they use during the day. By storing that excess energy as hot water, you can further cut down on energy bills, increasing your overall savings from the system. However, it’s important to note that to benefit from the Eddi, your home must already have a working immersion heater and a hot water tank.
Why Solar Is an Affordable Investment
One of the main reasons many homeowners are moving to solar is to reduce their electricity bills (of course!), and with the right setup, the investment can pay off faster than you might expect. The upfront cost of a 10-panel system from First Class Solar can be considered manageable for many households, and when paired with affordable extras like the Eddi hot water diverter, you can enjoy even greater savings on both electricity and heating costs. Over time, these savings help offset the initial costs, providing long-term financial benefits.
On top of this, the 0% VAT incentive plus the payback option offered by Power NI help to make solar more accessible for households in Northern Ireland.
Solar panel installation doesn’t have to break the bank. With accessible options like our entry-level 10-panel system, the 0% VAT relief, and smart extras like the MyEnergi Eddi hot water diverter, Northern Ireland homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without having to pay a huge price. The reduced cost of solar panels and their improved efficiency make now an excellent time to invest in solar power. Whether your home has a tin, tile, or slate roof, First Class Solar has cost-effective solutions to reduce your energy bills and make the most of renewable energy. By switching to solar, not only are you investing in your future savings, but you’re also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly Northern Ireland, and a better future for us all!
