Irish Solar Trends to watch with Morgan Pierce, CEO of SolarSmart

This is the first in a series where we aim to learn more about Irish solar trends. 

Who are we talking to, is it a logical journey to what you do now?

You’re speaking to Morgan Pierce, the founder and CEO of SolarSmart. My journey to solar started with a passion for sustainability and a belief that solar energy should be accessible for everyone. I don’t come from a typical engineering background, but I’ve always been driven by innovation and environmental impact. I founded the company in late 2020 as a result of seeing a gap in the Irish market for a customer-first approach to the solar energy market. So it’s been a logical, if unconventional, path that led me here.

Irish Solar Trends with Morgan Pierce, SolarSmart

It looks like solar installations was something that gradually grew and evolved as a business for you – would this be a fair description of the evolution of your company?

Absolutely. SolarSmart started small, with me, a vision, and commitment to help people understand the power and practicality of solar. It grew steadily through word of mouth, education and trust. We’ve now installed over 1,300 solar systems across Ireland. Our evolution reflects increasing awareness and increasing confidence in solar as a viable solution for Irish homes and businesses

Does Ireland get as much / more / less solar than other countries in Europe?

Ireland gets less solar irradiation compared to countries like Spain or Italy, but it’s still very viable here. A little known fact is that solar panels produce more electricity in temperatures of 25 celsius and lower! So, combined with our very long summer days and temperate climate, solar production in summer creates significant credit on your electricity bill which you take into the winter to offset when the solar is not as productive.  Plus, thanks to advancements in panel technology, even on cloudy days, panels generate significant energy. Germany has a very successful solar industry with similar sunlight levels to Ireland. The key is designing each system specifically for the Irish climate, which is something we specialise in at SolarSmart.

How much energy does a typical three bed house need, and therefore how many panels, batteries and kit would they need?

A typical three bed house in Ireland uses on average 4,500 kWh per year. A well-designed solar system for a home like this would typically include 10 panels. This system size also allows homeowners to avail of the maximum SEAI solar PV grant of €1,800. Adding a battery, usually 5 or 10 kWh in capacity allows you to store surplus energy for use at night. A hot water immersion diverter also helps maximise your self-consumption and reduce your bills.

What are the approximate costs for this, and the payback period?

The approximate cost for a fully installed 4kWp residential system including 10 panels, an inverter and a 5kW battery is €8,600. This is after the SEAI grant. The payback period depends on the home’s energy usage and system size, but it typically falls between 4 and 6 years.

Have these costs come down as solar panel technology has improved?

Yes, significantly. Over the past decade, the cost of solar panels has dropped more than 70%, while efficiency has increased. Batteries have also become more affordable and efficient, helping homeowners use more of their own solar energy. This trend in battery affordability is likely to continue as global demand and battery innovation improves.

What tips would you give to people thinking of installing solar?

Talk to a reputable installer who will design a system to match your energy needs. Look for an SEAI-registered installer, check out their online reviews, e.g. on Trustpilot, and ask questions. Our installation teams are employees; this is also key. Finally, a solid solar partner is not pushy and prioritises education and transparency.

What might the future look like in Ireland in terms of people going off the grid?

Full off-grid living is still niche in Ireland due to our climate and infrastructure. But we are seeing a growing number of homes aiming for energy independence. With better battery storage, households can now cover the vast majority of their own energy needs and as technology continues to advance, more homes will rely less on the grid. AI is also creeping into solar energy tech, for example, some inverters use AI to learn homeowner usage patterns to maximise battery storage and  pulliing energy from the grid during off-peak hours. Some inverters even monitor the weather to make sure batteries are fully loaded from the grid when a storm hits.

Are we still a long way off homes selling energy back to the grid?

Thankfully, no. We are already there in a basic form. At the moment homeowners receive credits for the excess energy they export back to the grid. The system is still evolving, not all energy providers offer the same rate, nevertheless it’s an exciting time for ‘prosumers’ i.e. those who both produce and consume energy

How can people learn more about you and your work?

You can visit our website at www.solarsmart.ie. Also check out our reviews on Trustpilot, we’re proud to be Ireland’s highest-rated solar installer. We also run webinars and Q&A sessions to help people learn more about solar in a no-pressure environment. Education is at the heart of everything we do.

More about Morgan Pierce, Founder & CEO, SolarSmart

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