Results Achieved from Installation of a PV Solar System at a Domestic Dwelling in Ireland

Photovoltaic (PV) solar power is emerging as a major source of domestic energy provision globally. Installations of PV-battery storage hybrid inverter systems have become more widespread in recent years. This paper presents an overview of results recorded and the economic benefits accrued following installation of a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) solar system with combined battery storage at a domestic property in Ireland. A smart e-car charger was also installed at the point of PV installation. This enables vehicle charging directly from solar generated energy. With records commencing upon installation of the grid tie-in system in May 2023, daily recording of PV generation has enabled analysis of performance throughout the calendar year. Results for year 2024 are presented. Ireland is geographically located in the northern hemisphere where irradiance levels are lower than in more southern located countries. Recorded generation is low in the months towards year end and year beginning but rises to beneficial levels in the middle months of the year. Advances in PV technology and hybrid inverter design, combined with national government grant supports, and reduction in cost of purchase and installation, are helping the drive to wider uptake of roof top PV solar. A short comparison is made of Ireland as a northern latitude country with the Sultanate of Oman, a country with solar energy density levels among the highest in the world. The countries share comparison in their low populations and the challenge of adopting solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuel derived energy.