5.5kWp Solar PV Installation Case Study: Maximising Solar Generation with a South-Facing Roof

As energy costs continue to rise across Ireland, more homeowners are investing in solar PV technology to reduce electricity bills, increase energy independence, and lower their carbon footprint. In this recent installation project, our team successfully designed and installed a 5.5kWp Solar PV system on a detached family home, creating a highly efficient renewable energy solution tailored to the property’s energy requirements and roof orientation.

Project Overview

This installation features a 5.5kWp Solar PV system comprising 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels, strategically positioned on a south-facing roof with a 45-degree pitch. This combination of orientation and roof angle provides excellent conditions for solar generation in Ireland, helping the homeowner maximise solar production throughout the year.

System Specifications

• System Size: 5.5kWp Solar PV System
• Battery Storage: None installed (battery-ready system)
• Number of Panels: 14
• Panel Type: High-efficiency Monocrystalline Solar Panels
• Panel Wattage: Approximately 395W to 405W per panel
• Roof Orientation: South Facing
• Roof Pitch: 45°
• Inverter: SolarEdge Inverter
• Optimisers: 14 SolarEdge Power Optimisers
• Power Diverter: SolarEdge Power Diverter
• Monitoring: WiFi Monitoring Portal Included
• SEAI Grant Assistance: Full Grant Management and BER Assessment Included

Predicted Energy Performance

Based on industry-standard solar modelling and site-specific analysis, the system is expected to generate:

Annual Energy Yield: 4,600 to 5,500 kWh per year

The predicted output takes into account several important factors including:

• Geographic location
• Roof orientation
• Roof pitch
• System size
• Seasonal solar irradiation levels
• Expected system losses
• Equipment efficiency ratings

For a typical Irish household, this level of production can significantly offset annual electricity consumption and reduce reliance on imported grid electricity.

Potential Annual Savings

With electricity prices calculated at approximately 22c per kWh (including VAT), the homeowner can expect annual savings of:

€780 – €1,260 per year

These savings may increase further if electricity prices continue to rise or if more generated energy is consumed directly within the home during daylight hours.

Additionally, homeowners may benefit from export payments through Ireland’s Microgeneration Support Scheme when excess electricity is exported back to the national grid.

SEAI Grant Support

The project also qualified for available support through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Potential Solar PV Grant: €2,400

Our team managed the complete grant application process, including:

• System design documentation
• BER assessment coordination
• Required SEAI paperwork
• Final installation certification

This streamlined approach ensures homeowners receive the maximum support available while avoiding unnecessary administrative work.

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The Installation Process

Every solar PV installation begins with a detailed assessment to ensure the system is tailored specifically to the property.

1. Site Survey and Design

Before installation commenced, our engineers conducted a comprehensive site survey.

During this phase, we assessed:

• Roof dimensions
• Structural integrity
• Shading levels
• Electrical infrastructure
• Roof orientation and pitch
• Customer energy consumption patterns

The south-facing roof provided an ideal location for solar panels, allowing for excellent solar exposure throughout the day.

A bespoke design was then produced to optimise panel placement while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the property.

2. Roof Mounting Installation

The first stage of physical installation involved fitting the roof mounting system.

Specialised roof anchors were secured directly to the roof structure beneath the slate finish. Lightweight aluminium mounting rails were then installed to provide a strong and corrosion-resistant framework for the solar panels.

All roof penetrations were carefully weatherproofed to ensure the integrity of the roofing system remained fully protected.

3. Solar Panel Installation

The 14 solar panels were then positioned and securely mounted onto the rail system.

As shown in the completed installation photographs, the panels were arranged to maximise available roof space while maintaining clean, symmetrical lines. The system integrates neatly with the roof structure and preserves the property’s appearance.

The final layout provides excellent solar collection capability while ensuring long-term durability against Ireland’s changing weather conditions.

4. SolarEdge Optimiser Technology

Unlike traditional string inverter systems, this installation uses 14 individual SolarEdge optimisers, one connected to each panel.

This advanced technology offers several advantages:

• Individual panel performance monitoring
• Improved energy harvest
• Reduced losses from shading
• Enhanced system safety
• Better fault detection

Each panel operates independently, ensuring maximum generation even when environmental conditions vary across the roof.

5. Inverter and Electrical Installation

The SolarEdge inverter forms the heart of the system.

The inverter converts the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity for the home.

Additional electrical components installed included:

• Four-pole Fireman Safety Switch
• Protection devices and fuses
• Isolators
• Grid connection equipment
• Monitoring communications hardware

All electrical work was completed to current Irish regulations and certified by qualified RECI-approved electricians.

6. Solar Power Diverter Integration

This installation also includes a SolarEdge Power Diverter.

Rather than exporting all excess electricity to the grid, the diverter intelligently redirects surplus solar energy to heat water within the home’s hot water cylinder.

This increases self-consumption and improves overall system savings by making better use of generated solar energy that would otherwise be unused.

7. Commissioning and Performance Testing

Following installation, the system underwent full commissioning and testing procedures.

This included:

– Electrical safety testing

– Performance verification

– Grid connection approval

– Monitoring configuration

– Customer handover

Once completed, the homeowner gained immediate access to a free lifetime online monitoring portal, allowing real-time tracking of energy production and system performance from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

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Equipment and Warranty Package

This installation is backed by comprehensive manufacturer and workmanship warranties, providing long-term peace of mind:

Included Components

• 14 × Monocrystalline Solar PV Modules
• 1 × SolarEdge Inverter
• 14 × SolarEdge Optimisers
• 1 × SolarEdge Power Diverter
• 1 × Fireman Safety Switch
• Full Electrical Installation Package
• WiFi Monitoring System
• Grid Commissioning
• SEAI Grant Administration

Warranty Coverage

• Solar Panels: 25-Year Warranty
• SolarEdge Inverter: 12-Year Warranty
• Labour Warranty: 5 Years
• Monitoring Portal: Free for Life

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A Future-Proof Renewable Energy Investment

This 5.5kWp solar PV installation demonstrates how a properly designed system can deliver significant long-term savings while reducing household carbon emissions.

With an estimated annual generation of up to 5,500kWh, potential savings of over €1,200 per year, and support from the SEAI grant scheme, homeowners can confidently invest in renewable energy knowing that their system has been designed, installed, and certified by experienced in-house engineers.

As electricity prices continue to fluctuate, solar PV remains one of the most effective ways for Irish homeowners to take control of their energy costs while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Our customers benefit from:

• Premium solar technology
• Expert system design
•  Professional installation teams
• RECI-certified workmanship
• SEAI grant support
• Long-term warranties
• Advanced monitoring solutions
• Ongoing customer support