Study unveils the average savings, typical payback period and more from solar panels in Limerick
Ohk energy, Ireland’s largest and most trusted solar installer, analysed how much electricity Limerick residents can expect to produce from solar.
As part of their Solar Panels Limerick solution, which includes free home surveys, over the years Ohk energy calculated thousands of solar generation and savings estimates for Limerick residents.
Their new study reveals the best places in Limerick 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 Limerick-wide solar power potential.
Limerick Solar Power Potential Study
173 areas in Co. Limerick 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 Limerick.
Key Findings
The research reveals that Limerick residents can expect their solar panels to produce between 3,386.83 kWh and 3,775.31 kWh of electricity annually from a standard 4kWp system.
The average amount of potential energy production from solar in Limerick is 3,651.20 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 Limerick the value of potential electricity generated from solar ranges from €1,456.34 to €1,623.38, with €1,570.02 being the average.
The study identifies Shanid as the best place in Limerick for solar, with 4kWp systems producing an estimated 3,775.31kWh annually (worth €1,623.38 p/y).
Dunnaman and Shanagolden take second and third place with an estimated output of 3,774.31 kWh (worth €1,622.95) and 3,773.66 kWh (worth €1,622.67), respectively.
These top 3 places are located near to each other reflecting the area’s favourable geographic conditions, including optimal exposure to sunlight and minimal obstructions.
Limerick City Centre can expect to produce an estimated 3,663.33 kWh of electricity from solar panels per year, worth approx. €1,575.23 annually.
This is typical for Limerick, albeit slightly above average.
Newcastle is one of the top 10 areas in Limerick for solar with 3,736.25 kWh (worth €1,606.59).
Askeaton also features near the top of the table boasting a solar potential of 3,697.59 kWh (worth €1,589.96).
Castleconnell and Abbeyfeale estimates are below the Limerick average.
Many factors impact how much electricity Limerick 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 Limerick with the lowest solar potential would typically need an additional solar panel to bring them up above the average.
In other words, they’d need a 4.4kWp system to generate over the 4kWp Limerick average.
Adding another solar panel, bringing the system up to 4.8kWp, would substantially surpass the potential output from a 4kWp system installed in the best place in Limerick for solar.
Limerick Solar Panel Payback Period
The payback period for solar panels in Limerick is typically 5-7 years.
The electricity generated after this period is free.
And with decades-long product and performance warranties, Limerick 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 Limerick, 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 Limerick solution.
