- Tuesday 20 June 2023
If you have invested in solar panels with a battery, you could save significantly by choosing the right energy tariff. Here are three tips to help you choose the best energy tariff for your solar PV panels.
1. Charge your solar battery with cheap night rates
A smart tariff generally has four rates – a day, peak, night, and night “boost” rate. If you own a solar battery, you can take advantage of the dynamic pricing structure that rewards you for using electricity during off-peak hours when demand is lower.
While the main purpose of a solar battery is to store excess energy produced during the day, it can also be charged directly from the grid. With the introduction of smart tariffs, charging your solar battery overnight from the grid can save you a significant amount of money. For instance, by setting your solar battery to charge during a night "boost" period between 2 am and 5 am, you can take advantage of low rates, typically around 10 cents per kW. You can then use this cheap energy during the day in conjunction with what you generate from your solar panels.
2. Pay attention to your microgeneration
Different Irish energy suppliers offer varying microgeneration rates, ranging from 18 cents per kW to 24 cents per kW. If you plan to export a substantial portion of your energy to the grid (particularly if you don't have a battery for excess energy storage), it's crucial to carefully consider your options.
Microgeneration rates of all suppliers:
Electric Ireland: 21 cents per kW
Bord Gais: 18.5 cents per kW
SSE Airtricity: 24 cents per kW
Flogas: 24 cents per kW
Energia: 18 cents per kW
3. Seek advice
The knowledgeable experts at WeSwitchU can provide guidance on selecting the perfect tariff for your solar PV setup. Get started today by filling out this form.
To learn more about smart tariffs and smart meters, click here.