How to store solar energy at home in Mayo

by Brian Barrett | Jun 5, 2025 | News, Residential Solar PV

Residential Solar Installations Across Mayo

When John and Marie installed solar panels on their home outside Castlebar, they were excited to reduce their electricity bills and make use of renewable energy. But within a few weeks, they noticed something while the panels worked perfectly during daylight hours, they were still buying power from the grid in the evenings. That got them wondering: Can we store the excess energy we are not using?

If you have solar panels or are planning to install them, you may be asking the same question.

Many homeowners in Ireland generally are exploring solar battery storage as a way to increase self-sufficiency, reduce electricity bills and maximise their investment in renewable energy.

This article explains how solar energy is stored, whether solar panels can store energy on their own, and what your options are in terms of batteries or exporting power back to the grid.

Can solar panels store energy on their own

No. Solar panels generate electricity, but they do not store it. Once sunlight hits a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel, it produces direct current (DC) electricity, which is converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter. That energy must either be used immediately or diverted elsewhere.

This is why storage systems are added to solar PV setups to hold the electricity until it is needed.

How to store electricity from solar panels

There are three main ways to manage the electricity produced by solar panels in Ireland:

1. Use the electricity immediately
Your household appliances and systems will automatically consume the electricity produced during the day if they are running at the same time. This is the most efficient use of solar energy.

2. Store the energy in a battery
This is the most direct way to store solar power for later use. Solar battery systems can store excess electricity during daylight hours, which can then be used at night or during cloudy weather. These batteries range in size and capacity depending on your needs.

3. Export the electricity to the grid
You can export excess power to the national grid if you are producing more than you can consume or store. Homeowners in Ireland can receive payment for this under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS).

Battery storage for solar PV systems

Similar to a big rechargeable battery, a solar battery operates. It stores unused electricity produced by your solar panels and supplies it when your panels are not producing enough — such as in the evening or during bad weather.

Benefits of battery storage:

Use more of the electricity you produce

Greater energy independence

Reduced reliance on peak-rate electricity

Backup supply during certain power outages

Can increase savings for some households

However, battery storage is not for everyone. The upfront cost may not be worthwhile if your daily energy use is already well-matched with your solar production, or if the electricity you export earns a good rate under MSS.

Cost of solar battery storage in Ireland

Battery systems vary depending on the size and brand. On average, a typical home battery system in Ireland costs between €3,000 and €6,000 before any grant support.

Prices may increase with the addition of smart controls, backup functions, or larger capacities. If you are applying for the SEAI Solar PV grant, an additional €600 support is available if your system includes battery storage.

Visit our Residential Solar PV page for more details

When does solar battery storage make sense

Battery storage is most useful when:

You are not at home during the day and use more electricity in the evening

Your goal is to become less dependent on the national grid.

You want to use your own solar energy rather than export it

You are installing a large PV system with consistent surplus generation

It may be less beneficial if:

You use most of your energy during the day

Your electricity use is already well aligned with solar generation

The cost of the battery does not justify the energy savings

Ask Brian about all this as he knows everything there is to know on this topic. He is our go to source.

Should I store solar energy or export it

The energy consumption of your house, the size of your system and your individual objectives all play a role in this.

Storing energy with a battery:

Gives you more control

Reduces grid dependency

Can be cost-effective with grant support

Exporting energy to the grid:

Simpler and cheaper setup

MSS offers payment for excess electricity

May be the better option if storage is not essential

For many homes, a combination works best, using electricity during the day, storing some and exporting the rest.

Storing solar power for hot water

Some systems include a diverter device that sends excess electricity to your immersion heater, heating water instead of storing electricity. While this can reduce gas or oil use, it is not always the most efficient way to use excess solar energy.

It often makes more financial sense to export excess power to the grid and use your boiler or heat pump for water heating, depending on your setup.

Conclusion – what is the best option for your home

Back in Castlebar, John and Marie decided to install a small battery system alongside their solar panels. Within a few weeks, they could see the difference, more of the electricity they generated was staying in the home, and their evening usage was covered without drawing from the grid. For them, the added investment made sense.

But every home is different. The best solution depends on when and how you use electricity, how large your system is, and your long-term goals. At Solar West, we offer honest, practical advice based on your specific setup.

Frequently asked questions – about storing solar energy

Can I store solar energy without a battery

No. Without a battery, any electricity you do not use will either be lost or exported to the grid. A battery is required to store electricity for later use.

How long does a solar battery last

Most solar batteries last between ten and fifteen years. Warranties typically cover five to ten years depending on the manufacturer.

Does the SEAI grant cover batteries

Yes. If you include a battery in your solar PV system, you may be eligible for an additional €600 on top of the standard SEAI grant.

Can I add a battery to my system later

Yes. We install battery ready inverters and setups so you can upgrade in the future.

Is it better to store or sell my solar electricity

This depends on your energy use. Storing can reduce bills more in some homes. Selling to the grid is often better for smaller systems or homes with daytime usage.

Thinking about storing your solar energy

At Solar West, we install solar PV systems that are battery-ready and assist you in determining whether grid export or battery storage is better for your house. We provide honest, practical advice based on your energy use, roof size and available grant support.

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