If you've been researching ways to reduce your electricity bills or are considering the SEAI grant, you've likely encountered the term "solar PV" or "photovoltaic system." The terminology can feel technical at first, but understanding what photovoltaic actually means helps you make informed decisions about whether solar energy suits your home.
Solar photovoltaic technology has become increasingly accessible for Irish households. The combination of improving panel efficiency, government grants, and rising electricity costs means more homeowners are exploring this option. Before you decide whether solar is right for your property, it helps to understand exactly what you're installing and how the technology works.
The word "photovoltaic" comes from two parts: "photo," meaning light, and "voltaic," referring to electricity. Put simply, photovoltaic technology converts light directly into electrical energy. This happens through specially designed materials that generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight.
When people refer to "solar PV," they're talking about panels that produce electricity. This distinguishes them from solar thermal systems, which use heat to warm water. A photovoltaic PV system on your roof captures daylight and turns it into usable electricity for your home. You can power your lights, appliances, heating system, and electric vehicle from the energy your panels generate.
The technology behind solar PV has evolved significantly over the past decade. Modern panels, like ATLAS PV solar panels engineered specifically for Irish conditions, deliver reliable performance even on overcast days. The efficiency improvements mean your system generates meaningful electricity throughout the year, not just during summer months.
A solar photovoltaic system operates through a straightforward process. Your panels capture daylight, convert it into direct current (DC) electricity, and then transform that DC power into alternating current (AC) electricity that runs your household appliances.
During daylight hours, your home uses the electricity your panels generate. When your panels produce more than you need, the surplus electricity can either charge a battery storage system or export to the grid. SSE Airtricity offers the highest microgeneration export rate in Ireland exclusively to Activ8 customers, which means you receive payment for the excess energy your system produces.
Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells made primarily from silicon, a semiconductor material. When sunlight hits these solar cells, the energy from the light knocks electrons loose from the silicon atoms. This movement of electrons creates an electrical current that flows through the cell.
Each panel contains multiple cells connected together to increase the voltage and current output. The quality and purity of the silicon, along with the cell design, determine how efficiently the panel converts light into electricity. Premium panels incorporate advanced cell technology that maximises energy capture across different light conditions.
The panels on your roof don't need direct sunlight to work. They respond to daylight, which means they continue generating electricity on cloudy days. Irish weather provides sufficient light for solar PV systems to deliver substantial energy production throughout the year.
Your solar photovoltaic system requires an inverter to make the electricity usable in your home. The panels generate DC electricity, but your appliances run on AC electricity. The inverter handles this conversion.
Modern inverters also monitor your system's performance. They track the amount of energy your panels generate, optimize the power output, and can alert you to any issues. Some inverters include smart features that help you understand your energy production patterns and make better decisions about when to run high-consumption appliances.
The inverter represents a critical component of your system. Quality matters here because the inverter directly affects how much of your panel's potential energy production you actually capture and use.
A complete solar PV installation includes several key elements working together:
These panels mount on your roof or property and capture daylight. ATLAS panels, designed and tested for Irish weather conditions, deliver consistent performance across varying light levels. The number and size of panels you need depend on your roof space, energy consumption, and budget. ATLAS panels have a 30-year performance warranty and 25-year product warranty.
This device converts DC electricity from your panels into AC electricity for your home. It also manages the flow of electricity and monitors system performance. String inverters are used on systems without batteries, hybrid inverters are used for systems with a battery included. Activ8 use Solis inverters with a 10 year warranty for their customers.
This secures your panels to your roof structure. Professional installation ensures the mounting system withstands Irish wind and weather conditions while maintaining proper drainage and roof integrity.
These let you track your energy production and consumption. You can see in real time how much electricity your panels generate, how much your home uses, and how much surplus energy you're exporting or storing. Activ8 also has access to this data through a Wifi dongle installed on every inverter.
This allows you to store excess electricity for use after dark or during periods of high demand. Battery systems increase your energy independence and help you maximize the value of your solar investment. Activ8 use Duracell Energy batteries and are Duracell’s exclusive platinum partner in Ireland. This mean Duracell batteries come with a 10-year warranty for Activ8 customers.
The Irish climate presents specific conditions for solar energy. While Ireland doesn't receive Mediterranean sunshine levels, photovoltaic technology has advanced to the point where Irish installations deliver strong returns on investment.
Solar panels respond to daylight rather than heat. Ireland receives sufficient daylight throughout the year to make solar PV economically viable. Modern panels generate electricity even on overcast days because they capture diffuse light as well as direct sunlight.
Several factors specific to Irish conditions support solar PV adoption:
Your panels produce maximum output during long summer days, with reduced but still meaningful production during shorter winter days. Annual production averages out to deliver substantial savings.
South-facing roofs capture the most sunlight, and east and west orientations still work effectively. East-facing systems produce more morning electricity, while west-facing installations peak in the afternoon and evening.
After your system has operated for a few months, you'll understand your typical production patterns. This knowledge helps you optimize when to run high-consumption appliances, such as washing machines, or charge your electric vehicle.
Your home remains connected to the electricity grid, which supplies power when your panels aren't generating enough to meet your needs. This hybrid approach gives you the benefits of solar without requiring complete energy independence.
The typical payback period for a solar PV system in Ireland ranges from 5 to 7 years. After this point, the electricity your panels generate represents pure savings. ATLAS panels have a 30-year performance warranty and 25-year product warranty, meaning your system delivers decades of reduced energy costs.
Several considerations help determine whether a photovoltaic PV system suits your situation:
Beyond grants, the value proposition includes:
Solar PV represents a long-term investment in your property and energy independence. The panels require minimal maintenance and continue generating electricity for 30 years or more.
Residential solar panels have become a practical option for homeowners. The technology has matured, costs have decreased, and government support makes the investment more accessible.
Understanding what photovoltaic technology means helps you evaluate solar options with confidence. The technology converts sunlight into electricity through silicon cells, providing clean energy that reduces your bills and environmental impact.
We design and install solar photovoltaic systems specifically for Irish conditions. Our ATLAS PV solar panels deliver reliable performance across all weather conditions, backed by comprehensive warranties and local support.
Whether you're considering residential solar panels for your home or commercial solar panels for your business, we can help you understand your options and design a system that matches your needs and budget. Our team handles everything from initial assessment through installation and ongoing support.
Find out how much you could save with solar PV. Get in touch with our experts to discuss your property, review your energy usage, and receive a detailed proposal for your solar installation.
Click the button to return to our blog