Ohk energy, Ireland’s largest and most trusted solar installer, analysed how much electricity Waterford residents can expect to produce from solar.
As part of their Solar Panels Waterford solution, which includes free home surveys, over the years Ohk energy calculated thousands of solar generation and savings estimates for Waterford residents.
Their new study reveals the best places in Waterford for solar, along with expected savings and more.
Crucially, calculations take into account local weather conditions, solar radiation, along with many other factors, for each specific area.
As a result, insights from this study form the most authoritative source of Waterford-wide solar power potential.
Waterford Solar Power Potential Study
130 areas in Co. Waterford were captured in the study. The specific areas are electoral divisions sourced from Tailte Éireann’s Surveying Open Data Portal.
Energy calculations take into account solar radiation, temperature, wind speed and are based on a south facing, 4kWp system with fixed panels on a 35 degree slope.
The assumed overall system loss is 14%.
Savings estimates assume a unit rate of 43 cents. In other words, the cost of electricity assumed in the study is €0.43 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumed.
Ohk energy notes that the goal of the study was to assess and compile area-specific solar output estimates to deliver the most accurate and authoritative insights into solar power potential in Waterford.
Ohk energy electrician installing solar panels.
Key Findings
The research reveals that Waterford residents can expect their solar panels to produce between 3,503.38 kWh and 4,249.42 kWh of electricity annually from a standard 4kWp system.
The average amount of potential energy production from solar in Waterford is 4,027.19 kWh.
To put this in perspective, the average Irish household consumes approximately 4,200 kWh per year, according to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities.
Assuming a cost per kWh of 43 cents, in Waterford the value of potential electricity generated from solar ranges from €1,506.45 to €1,827.25, with €1,731.69 being the average.
The study identifies Tramore as the best place in Waterford for solar, with 4kWp systems producing an estimated 4,249.42 kWh annually (worth €1,827.25 p/y).
Following close behind are the nearby areas of Kilmacleague (4,216.18 kWh, worth €1,812.96) and Rathmoylan (4,198.7 kWh, worth €1,805.44).
Each of these southern coastal areas is located close to each other, reflecting the area’s favourable geographic conditions, including optimal exposure to sunlight and minimal obstructions.
Waterford City Centre falls just outside of the top 10, taking 12th place with 4,189.46 kWh (worth €1,801.47).
Dungarvan, Portlaw, Cappoquin, Lismore and Tallow can be found near or below the average for Waterford.
Many factors impact how much electricity Waterford residents can produce from solar, including shade from surrounding buildings, trees and terrain. Homes in mountainous and hilly areas typically get less sun, and therefore, produce less electricity.
But that doesn’t mean they cannot produce the same amount of electricity as areas that get more sun – they may just need an additional solar panel.
Locations in Waterford with the lowest solar potential would typically need 2 additional solar panels to bring them up to the levels of the best areas for solar.
In other words, they’d need a 4.8kWp system to generate as much as a 4kWp system would in the best places in Waterford for solar.
Waterford Solar Panel Payback Period
The payback period for solar panels in Waterford is typically 5-7 years.
The electricity generated after this period is free.
And with decades-long product and performance warranties, Waterford residents can expect a substantial return on investment.
But Ohk energy note that there are cases where solar panels may not be worth it in Waterford, which is why a site survey is crucial.
Ohk energy offer free site surveys (which includes output, savings and payback period estimates) to all homeowners as part of their Solar Panels Waterford solution.
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