4 ms·

My solar install took about 4.5 years to break even, which I understand is maybe a bit below average for where I live (Ireland).

• rgblambda 5mo ago
  Although isn't there an Irish government grant to help cover the cost of the panel + installation? That would make comparing break even times across countries quite difficult.
  • hdgvhicv 5mo ago
    Certainly isn’t today. In the U.K. solar panels have about a 14 month payback, no incentives other Thant hey are currently tax free (like food. Electric from the grid has a 5% tax) On top of that there’s an inverter, and if you can’t use all the power immediately you’d need a battery too, which tends to increase the cost. The biggest cost though is installation.
    • rgblambda 5mo ago
      I imagine the costs of purchasing and installing the panels in the UK are similar, but in Ireland there's definitely grants: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/housing-grants-and-schemes/grants-for-home-renovations-and-improvements/grants-for-solar-panels/ https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/housing-grants... You do make a good point about VAT on electricity bills also being a factor in the break even calculation. In Ireland it's 9% and that's a temporary cost of living measure and will revert to 13.5% in 2030.