In our previous blog, we discussed the general advantages and disadvantages of solar panels for residential homes in Northern Ireland. To complement this, we thought it might be helpful to share the personal take of First Class Solar’s director, Peter McCarty. With 7 years of experience in the solar industry across both Northern Ireland and Australia, Peter has seen just about everything—from rooftops of slate, specialised tiles to tin, inverters from Solis to Fronius–with savings all round! Here’s what he has to say when asked about the pros and cons of solar power in Northern Ireland.
Pros of Solar Panels in Northern Ireland – Why It’s Worth It
1. It brings your bills down
Most people who come to us are spending more than £100 per month on electricity. After installing solar, they’re often saving around £1,000 per year. That’s not just theory—it’s what we see with our own customers time and time again.
“As more and more people move over to electric cars and cheap overnight rates, batteries are really coming into their own. What I mean by this is that you can charge the batteries directly from the grid overnight on the cheap EV rate, which means that even throughout the winter time when solar production is lower, our customers will wake up every morning with full batteries of half-price electricity. The result of this is that houses with the solar and battery combination can see large savings across both summer and winter months,” Peter says.
2. Free hot water for most of the year
With a hot water diverter like the myenergi eddi, we find that customers are getting between 6 and 8 months of free hot water. It’s a great bonus that many people don’t even realise comes with adding the eddi to a solar system.
3. Reduces your reliance on the grid
If you’re able to use your “heavies” (appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine and tumble drier) during the day—or better yet, if you’ve got a battery—you can significantly cut down your use of grid electricity.
4. More money for holidays (or whatever you fancy!)
The hundreds of pounds you’re saving on your electric bills can be used for a family summer holiday!
5. Better returns than your bank
“Many homeowners investing in solar panels Northern Ireland can now see a return of up to 15% annually. Depending on your electricity usage, solar typically offers a return of 8–15% per year. That’s a lot better than letting your money sit in a savings account, which in the UK currently offers between 2–5% interest for most standard savings options,” says Peter.
For example, if you invest £7,000 in a solar PV system and save £700–£900 per year in electricity, you’re seeing a return far higher than most fixed-term savings products over a 10-year period—plus your energy savings are tax-free.
More information on solar investment returns can be found on Energy Saving Trust.
6. It’s a lot more affordable now
Solar panels have dropped by around 90% in cost over the past 10 years. Not only that, but Peter explains that “solar panels have also improved in terms of efficiency, wattage, and warranties. Batteries have come down too—a 5kW battery we used to sell for £2,700 is now around £1,500.”
7. Versatile panel layouts
“You’re no longer limited to south-facing roofs.” With higher efficiency and smart panel designs, east/west setups can work really well.
8. Outdoor installation
Modern inverters and batteries (rated IP65 or higher) are considered to be reasonably dust- and water-proof and can now be safely installed outdoors, which helps when space is limited inside.
9. 0% VAT
Since May 2023, domestic solar installations in Northern Ireland have been zero-rated for VAT, and this is expected to remain the case until at least 2027 (worth checking if you’re reading this a few years down the line!).
Cons of Solar Energy – What to Consider Before You Commit
1. There’s still an upfront cost
Solar isn’t free to install—there’s a lump sum to pay initially (though First Class Solar do offer finance options from Phoenix Financial Consultants. That said, most systems are calculated to break even in 6–10 years, with your panels set to last 25+ years.
2. The look isn’t for everyone
Some people don’t like the appearance of solar panels on their roof, especially on older or more traditional properties. All-black panels help, but it’s still a matter of taste. “Personally, I think the modern all-black solar panels look great!,” says Peter.
3. Inverters and batteries take up space
You’ll need space inside (or outside!) to house the inverter and possibly a battery. This can be a challenge in smaller homes.
4. Not all homes are suitable
If you’ve got a small roof or a mainly north-facing one, it can be tough to fit enough panels to make a domestic PV system worthwhile. Peter notes that “We can still install in some cases, but output from the system drops and then so does value.”
5. Export rates have dropped
You don’t get paid as much for exporting energy back to the grid as you used to. The export rate from Power NI in 2022-2023 was around 17p, which then dropped to approximately 14p in 2023-2024, and it’s currently sitting around 10.32p per kWh for the 2024-2025 period. But, while export helps, the real value is in using your own solar energy instead of sending it out to the grid.
Final Thoughts from Peter
“I always tell people that solar is a long-term investment rather than an instant win. But for most households, it makes a huge difference—not just in terms of bills, but in how they think about energy. You’re generating your own power. You’re less reliant on the grid. And in many cases, you’re saving enough to treat yourself to something better than another direct debit. “If you’re considering installing solar panels in Northern Ireland, or you have questions about whether it’s right for your home, we’re always happy to have a no-pressure chat. Just reach out to the team at First Class Solar – give us a call on 02896005042, send an email on info@firstclasssolar.co.uk or “Request Pricing” on our website!
