June 19, 2025

If you’ve noticed solar panels popping up on rooftops around you, and wondering how they actually work? You’re not alone.

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular across Ireland, especially among homeowners looking to reduce electricity bills and make their homes more energy efficient. But how exactly do solar panels work – and how effective are they in Ireland’s cloudy climate?

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explain how solar panels generate electricity for your home, why they’re a smart choice for Irish homeowners, and how you can take full advantage of government incentives.

1. Solar Panels

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are the foundation of any solar system. Most residential solar systems in Ireland feature panels mounted on your roof, although ground-mounted systems are also an option.

Each solar panel contains photovoltaic (PV) cells, typically made from silicon or glass. When daylight hits these cells, it creates an electric field that generates direct current (DC) electricity.

2. Inverter: The Brain of the Solar System

The direct current (DC) electricity absorbed by solar panels cannot power household appliances alone. That’s why every solar system needs an Inverter, that converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which the appliances in your home need to work.

Known as the brain of the solar system, the Inverter:

• Converts DC to AC electricity

• Monitors energy production

• Communicates with your monitoring app or system

• Helps ensure safety and efficiency

3. Can Solar Panels Work in Ireland’s Cloudy Weather?

One of the most common questions about solar energy in Ireland is: Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

The answer is yes. Solar panels don’t require direct sunlight to generate electricity, they capture daylight. Ireland’s climate has long daylight hours during spring and summer, allowing solar panels to produce significant energy even on overcast days.

This makes solar power a viable and reliable energy solution across Ireland, regardless of the frequently cloudy weather.

4. How Solar Energy Powers Your Home

Once daylight is converted into AC electricity by the inverter, the energy flows into your home’s electrical system. This powers everything from lighting to kitchen appliances and electronics.

If your solar system produces more electricity than you use, you can:

• Store the excess energy in solar batteries for later use in the evening

• Export surplus electricity back to the grid through government schemes

Both options help you maximise savings on your energy bills.

5. Using Battery Storage

Solar battery storage systems store excess electricity generated during the day, so you can use it at night or during periods of low daylight. This increases your home’s energy independence and reduces reliance on the grid.

We will explore battery storage in greater detail in a future article.

6. Bi-Facial Solar Panels: The Next Step in Efficiency

A recent innovation in solar technology is the bi-facial solar panel. While traditional solar panels only absorb light from one side, bi-facial panels are designed to absorb light from both the front and rear surfaces.

This allows them to harness light reflected from surfaces like gravel, grass, or rooftops, boosting their output without needing more space. Bi-facial panels have been proved to increase yield by between 5% and 30% (source: Bauer Solar).

Bi-facial panels represent the direction in which solar technology is heading: smarter, more efficient, and more adaptable.

Beyond improved efficiency, bi-facial panels also offer greater long-term durability. Traditional solar panels are usually made with different materials on each side, such glass on the front and a plastic or polymer backing. As temperatures rise and fall, these materials expand and contract at different rates. Over time, this can create friction, which gradually wears the panel from the back. This kind of wear can reduce both efficiency and lifespan of your solar panels.

Bi-facial panels, by contrast, are typically constructed with glass on both sides. Because both surfaces respond similarly to temperature changes, there’s less internal stress and virtually no friction between layers. This makes bi-facial panels more stable and robust, particularly in changeable climates like ours. We recommend choosing bi-facial panels to ensure the ongoing performance and lifespan of your solar system.

7. Exporting Solar Energy to the Grid in Ireland

If you don’t have battery storage, excess solar energy doesn’t go to waste because you can export your unused power back to the national grid.

In Ireland, homes with solar panels and a smart meter can export surplus electricity to the grid through the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), enabling you to earn money.

While full off-grid systems are possible, most homes in Ireland remain connected to the grid for backup. This hybrid approach offers lower electricity bills, greater flexibility, and access to power when solar production is low.

We will explore export energy in a future article.

8. Why Invest in Solar Panels in Ireland?

Solar panels offer a smart investment in Ireland because:

• They reduce electricity bills

• They increase energy independence

• They lower your carbon footprint

• Government incentives and schemes support installation

• Technology is evolving rapidly, making solar panels more affordable and efficient

Ireland’s climate and supportive policies make solar energy a practical and sustainable choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

Conclusion

To summarise, solar panels work by capturing daylight and converting it into electricity that powers your home. With the help of an inverter and optional battery storage, solar systems efficiently provide renewable energy even in Ireland’s cloudy climate.

If you’re considering solar panels, understanding how they work is the first step toward reducing your energy costs and environmental impact. Contact our team today for a free consultation, and we’ll design a solar system tailored to your home and energy needs.