Solar Sid | Independent Solar PV & Energy Advice for Ireland

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{{:real-examples:solar-system-cost-ireland.jpg?nolink&800|APPROX COSTS: 18 Panels + 5kW + 16kWh Battery — Aug 2026}}

====== APPROX COSTS: 18 Panels + 5kW + 16kWh Battery — IRELAND AUGUST 2026 ======

This is what installers are actually charging in August 2026 for the big systems — **7.8kWp (18 panels) vs 8.6-9kWp (20 panels) + 5kW hybrid + 16kWh battery.**

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Based on real quotes members are getting in the [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/555406669924225|Solar Works in Ireland]] group right now.
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===== 💡 BOTTOM LINE PRICES — FULLY INSTALLED =====

^ System ^ Gross ^ Net (after €1,800 SEAI) ^
| **18 Panels - DYNESS + SOLIS S6** | €9,500 - €11,000 | **€7,700 - €9,200** |
| **18 Panels - ECOFLOW 15kWh** | €11,000 - €12,000 | **€9,200 - €10,200** |
| **18 Panels - SIGENERGY 16kWh** | €14,000 - €15,500 | **€12,200 - €13,700** |
| **20 Panels - DYNESS + SOLIS S6** | €10,300 - €11,800 | **€8,500 - €10,000** |
| **20 Panels - ECOFLOW 15kWh** | €11,800 - €12,800 | **€10,000 - €11,000** |
| **20 Panels - SIGENERGY 16kWh** | €14,800 - €16,300 | **€13,000 - €14,500** |

> **20 panels makes ~7,600kWh/year vs 18 panels ~6,800kWh/year** — extra 800kWh = ~€147 extra export at 18.5c or ~€288 if self-used at 36c.

===== 🔋 CHEAPEST EV RATES NOW =====
    * **Energia Smart Drive: 8.87c-9.42c/kWh 2am-6am — 4 HOUR WINDOW**
    * **SSE: 8.58c 2am-5am — 3 hours**
    * **Bord Gáis: 9.31c 2am-5am — 3 hours**
    * **Electric Ireland Night Boost: 10.52c 2am-4am — 2 hours**
    * **Export (CEG): Average 18.5c/kWh**

===== 🔄 THE CLIPPING FIX — NIGHT CHARGE + MORNING DUMP =====

20 panels can push 8.6kW+ DC, inverter only 5kW AC. Clipping jumps to **12-18% on 20 panels vs 8-12% on 18 panels** if the battery is full at 8am. The loop fixes it.

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**The loop:**\\
**02:00-06:00** CHARGE 16kWh at 8.87c = €1.42 (Energia)\\
**07:30-11:30** DUMP 12kWh at 18.5c = €2.22 = **€0.80 profit** + battery at 20% ready to catch all solar with ZERO clipping

~€200/year arbitrage + clipping saved: 18 panels ~600kWh (€216), 20 panels ~900kWh (€324)
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===== 💶 PAYBACK WITH NEW RATES (Buy ~9c / Sell 18.5c) =====

^ System ^ 18 Panels Payback ^ 20 Panels Payback ^
| Dyness + Solis | 4.3 - 5.0 years | 4.5 - 5.2 years |
| EcoFlow | 5.3 - 6.4 years | 5.5 - 6.6 years |
| Sigenergy | 7.2 - 9.0 years | 7.4 - 9.2 years |

20 panels adds ~€800 in cost, but they will give you an extra 800kWh production and bigger clipping savings — payback is almost identical, but better long-term if you get an EV or heat pump later.

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**Who's on the Energia 4hr window? What rate are you actually getting — 8.65c, 8.87c or 9.42c?** Share in the group.
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**Disclaimer:** System install prices depend on how easy or hard the install is regarding access, roof type, roof height and pitch, cable run length, meter board condition, and battery location.

{{tag>real example costs ireland august 2026 18 panels 20 panels 16kwh battery dyness solis ecoflow sigenergy clipping night charge payback}}