Solar energy is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike, particularly in Northern Ireland. With advancements in technology and the rising cost of energy, many are turning to solar panel installations to reduce their dependence on traditional grid electricity. One of the lesser-known benefits of installing solar panels is the ability to export excess energy back to the grid and get paid for it. By understanding the export process and payments, you can see how solar can be a smart financial investment while benefiting the environment.
How Does the Solar Export Process Work?
When you install PV panels NI (photovoltaic panels) on your home, the solar energy produced doesn't necessarily get used by specific appliances. Instead, it flows into your home’s electrical system. Here’s the breakdown of the process:
Generation: Your solar panels (whether on the roof or ground-mounted) capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
Conversion: The DC electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) — the type of electricity used in homes.
Use in Your Home: Once converted, the AC electricity is fed into your home’s electrical system and can be used to power your appliances, lighting, and other electronics. It's important to note that it doesn’t power specific devices but is available for whatever is turned on at that moment.
As a solar user, you’ll likely want to make the most of this generated energy by using it during the day to avoid using grid power. This is where smart devices come in.
Reading your export meter
Reading your export meter is easy once you know how to do it, follow Power NI’s simple guide to understand how to read your export meter. You will need to do this every year in order to receive your export payment. You can view the guide here.
What Happens to Excess Energy?
Once your home’s electricity needs are met, any excess energy will automatically be diverted to other add-on systems you may have installed. These systems help you maximize your use of generated solar power. Common solar add-ons include:
Home storage batteries: These store excess energy so you can use it during the evening or on cloudy days. The batteries we provide is the Duracell home battery or the SolarEdge Energy bank.
My Energi immersion heater controller: This device helps heat your water by using excess solar energy.
My Energi Zappi car charger: If you have an electric vehicle, this smart charger can direct surplus electricity to charge your car.
Once all your storage systems and add-ons are full, any further excess energy will be exported to the grid. This is where export payments come into play.
The Export Payment System
In Northern Ireland, if you export more energy than you use, it is automatically sent back to the grid, and you're paid for this contribution. The export rate can change yearly, but it’s currently 14p per kWh. Here’s how the process works:
Meter Reading: Once a year, you’ll be asked to submit a meter reading to Power NI. This reading tells them how much energy you’ve exported back to the grid over the past year.
Payment Calculation: Based on the reading, Power NI will calculate how much you're owed. For example, if you've exported 1,000 kWh, you’ll receive £140.
Direct Payment: Instead of waiting for a cheque, Power NI will pay the amount directly into your bank account, making the process quick and hassle-free.
This payment process ensures that you're fairly compensated for the renewable energy you provide to the grid, reducing your overall energy costs further and making your solar panel installation even more worthwhile.
How Solarfix Helps with the Export Process
At Solarfix, we strive to make the entire process of installing and using solar panels as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Part of our service includes helping you set up your export account with Power NI so that you can start receiving payments for your excess energy.
Solarfix handles most of the administrative setup, ensuring that your system is correctly registered and that the export account is activated. The only step we cannot complete for you is providing your bank details.
By managing most of the admin on your behalf, we help make sure that you can focus on enjoying the benefits of your solar installation while also receiving compensation for any excess energy your system produces.
Commercial Installations
For commercial installations, export payments can also apply will also apply for G98 applications. For G99 installations, you'll need to request permission to export and receive payments. At Solarfix, we can assist you with the administrative process to ensure everything is set up correctly. However, there may be instances where you're unable to receive export payments if your system sends too much energy back to the grid, as this can exceed local capacity limits.
Why Choose Solar in Northern Ireland?
There’s a common misconception that solar panels don’t work effectively in Northern Ireland due to the often cloudy and gloomy weather. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Solar panels work on daylight, not just direct sunlight. Even on overcast days, your solar power system will still generate electricity.
Key Considerations for Solar Installations
When planning to install solar panels, there are a few essential factors to consider:
Solar Suppliers: Choosing the right supplier is essential. Look for solar companies near me that have a good reputation, ideally solar panels companies near me that are well-established and have positive customer reviews.
Cost Efficiency: While some homeowners are looking for cheap solar panels, it’s important to balance cost with quality. Good panels and systems will provide better long-term returns and reliability.
Local Experience: Working with solar panel suppliers and installers familiar with Northern Ireland’s specific energy regulations is vital. They’ll be able to help you navigate NIE requirements and ensure you’re set up to benefit from export payments.
Benefits of Export Payments
The financial benefits of exporting excess solar energy can be significant over time. Even though the rate per kWh might seem low at 14p, it adds up. In addition to reducing your reliance on grid electricity, the export payment acts as a form of passive income. Over several years, this can offset the initial installation cost of your solar panels.
Moreover, if you're using home storage batteries, you're maximizing the efficiency of your system by using stored energy at night and still getting paid for any extra during the day. Combine this with smart add-ons like the My Energi Zappi car charger, and you're making the most out of your solar setup.
Conclusion
Solar energy is not just about powering your home; it's also an opportunity to give back to the grid and get paid for it. With export payments in Northern Ireland currently at 14p per kWh, it's a great time to invest in solar panels for your home or business.
If you're considering adding solar to your property, contact us by calling our office on 0800 246 5198 or completing our contact form here. We can guide you through the process, from installation to optimizing your export potential. Solarfix is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring your system is set up for both energy efficiency and financial return.