FAQs
(Courtesy of SEAI)
What are solar panels?
The term ‘solar panel’ can refer to a wide range of solar technologies. It is often used interchangeably between the panels that generate electricity and those that generate heat. Solar panels which produce electricity are referred to in the industry as ‘solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.’
These are panels made from materials which generate DC electricity when exposed to light. When considering purchasing solar panels it is important to consider whether you would like a system which generates electricity (solar PV panels) or a system which heats water (solar thermal panels).
How much land is required for a solar farm?
Solar farms can be any range of sizes, but around 4-5 acres (1.6-2 hectares) is required for each Megawatt (MW) of solar panels installed (around 4,000 panels per MW).
How much electricity will solar panels generate?
The amount of electricity generated annually will depend on a range of factors including the hardware chosen, size of system, the geographical location and the direction in which the panels are installed. With the most common silicon solar panels typically 1 sq. m of panels will generate ~150W of power on a clear sunny day (that’s enough to power a laptop computer). A home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) would generate around 2,600kWh of electricity a year if well-located, over 40% of the typical annual electricity demand of an Irish home.
Do solar panels work in Ireland?
Yes, solar PV systems will still generate electricity when there is daylight, so they will still function on overcast days in Ireland. In these conditions they will not be able to produce power at their maximum rated capacity (the figure in kilowatts (kW), rather at some fraction of this figure.
Solar panels will perform at their best in direct sunlight and therefore solar PV systems in Ireland will typically produce less than other, sunnier countries such as Spain. As mentioned above, a home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) would generate around 2,600kWh of electricity a year if welllocated, over 40% of the typical annual electricity demand of an Irish home.
I've heard there can be glare from the solar panels?
Solar panels can produce reflections, known as glint and glare. However, the solar farm will be carefully designed and positioned to minimise these effects, taking nearby homes, roads, and the surrounding landscape into account. As a result, any glint and glare is expected to be negligible. A detailed Glint and Glare Assessment will be carried out and submitted as part of the planning application.
Is prime agricultural land taken out of use for the solar farm?
The solar panels are mounted on foundations that occupy only a small portion of the land, allowing the site to continue being used for agricultural activities such as grazing. At the end of the lease period, Coolnakilla Energy Ltd. will decommission the solar farm and restore the land to its original condition. Land that is classified as agricultural before the development will retain its agricultural designation throughout the lifetime of the project.
How will biodiversity be impacted?
While the construction of the solar farm may cause some minor temporary environmental impacts, these have been carefully assessed through the Planning and Environmental Report (PER). The PER identifies potential environmental risks and sets out measures to avoid, reduce, or manage any effects on the local environment. The project also includes a Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plan, which will protect existing habitats, create opportunities to enhance biodiversity, and monitor the site throughout construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning. This will help ensure the site delivers long-term benefits for biodiversity alongside renewable energy generation.