FAQs

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions we receive, so you can feel confident and informed about choosing RJC Renewables for your solar needs.

Who Are RJC Renewables?

RJC Renewables is an Irish-owned solar energy company with over 15 years of experience in providing top-quality solar solutions. We design and install custom solar PV systems for homes, businesses, and farms across Ireland, helping our clients reduce energy costs and transition to sustainable, renewable energy.

What Services Do You Offer?

We offer a range of solar solutions, including residential, commercial, and agricultural solar panel installations. We also specialize in battery storage systems, EV chargers, and full system maintenance. Our goal is to make solar energy accessible, efficient, and cost-effective for every customer.

What Areas Do You Serve?

Based in Westmeath, we provide professional solar panel installations across the Midlands, serving Offaly, Laois, Longford, and extending to all locations within a 1.5-hour travel radius, including Clare and Galway.

What Types of Properties Do You Install Solar Systems For?

We design and install solar systems for a wide variety of properties: from residential homes and commercial buildings to farms and agricultural sites. No matter the type of property, we tailor our systems to fit your unique energy needs, ensuring maximum efficiency and savings.

Which Brands Do You Work With?

We only work with the best in the industry. Our primary inverter brand is Solis, which is known worldwide for its reliability and performance. We also use top-quality panels and other components that we’ve rigorously tested to ensure long-term durability and high efficiency. Quality is our top priority.

How Long Does Solar Panel Installation Take?

Typically, we can fully install a solar panel system within 4 to 6 weeks, including design, installation, and grant processing. For residential systems, it’s often completed in a single day, while larger or more complex projects may take a bit longer. We make sure the process is as quick and smooth as possible.

What Makes RJC Renewables Different from Other Solar Companies?

What sets us apart is our hands-on approach and commitment to quality. We have an experienced, in-house team that handles everything from design to installation, with no subcontractors involved. We also offer a 2-year workmanship warranty, double the industry norm, and we only use premium equipment that we’ve tested and trust. Our expert team guides you every step of the way—from the first consultation to post-installation support.

Are Solar Panels a Good Investment for Homes and Businesses?

Yes! Solar panels are an excellent long-term investment for both homes and businesses. They can significantly reduce energy costs, increase energy independence, and add value to your property. With the current financial incentives and SEAI grants available, installing solar panels is more affordable than ever. For businesses, solar also helps reduce overhead costs and boosts sustainability.

Do You Offer Maintenance Services?

Yes, we offer full system maintenance for all the solar systems we install. While solar panels require very little maintenance, we recommend having your system checked every 12–24 months to ensure it’s running efficiently. We also offer monitoring services so you can track your system’s performance in real time.

How Do I Get a Free Quote or Consultation?

Getting a free quote is simple! Just reach out to us via email or phone, and we’ll arrange a free site visit. During the visit, one of our experts will assess your property, discuss your energy needs, and provide a tailored quote. We make it easy, transparent, and stress-free. Get in touch today to take the first step toward clean, sustainable energy.

Solar Panel FAQs

What is a Solar Panel?

A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic cells. PV cells are made of materials that generate electrons when exposed to light. The electrons flow through a circuit and produce direct current electricity, which can be used to power various devices or be stored in batteries

What is a Solar Invertor?

An inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system.  It’s a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses. 

A solar PV inverter is required on any PV system where AC power needs to be utilised. This is because it is the function of the Inverter to convert DC power generated by the solar, into useable AC power that can feed the electrical loads within the property.

Why should I include a Battery?

Battery-Storage systems when integrated with solar work by storing the excess solar power produced during the day for use later in the evening. With declining feed-in tariffs being paid for surplus power exported to the grid, further financial gains can be achieved rather than selling it back to your retailer.

What warranties will I have for my system?

The most common product warranty for a solar panel is 10 years but can be up to 25 years. Performance warranties on solar panels are almost all 25 years. An inverter product warranty is generally between 5 – 10 years. Most batteries on the market are provided with a 10 year warranty.

Can I monitor the performance of my solar system?

Yes, you can! Most inverters we use have either a built-in display or Wi-Fi with cloud-based monitoring. You can easily monitor your power output, energy generated, energy export to the grid and your battery SOC. Our qualified installers will help you to set everything up upon completion of the installation.

What about my connection with ESB Networks?

Depending upon the size of the system, you may need to apply to ESB Networks to change the system or apply for increased supply. Either way, if you intend to install solar in your home, business or farm, you will need to submit an NC6 or NC7 form.

What is the NC6 form?

It is a document that must be submitted by anyone who plans to install a solar panel system in Ireland. It serves as a micro-generation notification form, informing the Distribution System Operator (DSO) that you intend to generate electricity from your solar panel system and potentially export surplus energy back to the grid. Submitting this form is crucial in the solar panel installation process. It ensures that your system complies with the regulations set by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and the Distribution System Operator (DSO). It also allows you to take advantage of the financial benefits available to those who generate and export solar energy.

Who submits the NC6 Form?

The solar panel owner must submit the NC6 form to their DSO. However, RJC Renewables can provide guidance and support throughout the process to ensure the form is submitted accurately and on time.  

Some costs may be associated with processing the form or upgrading the network to accommodate your solar PV system. These costs can vary, so it’s important to consult with your DSO to determine any applicable fees.

What is the NC7 form?

An NC7 form is the application to ESB Networks to increase your electricity supply to a Mini-Generator.

You can download the form here:
ESB Networks NC7 Application

Who submits the NC7 Form?

A certified solar panel installer must complete and submit the NC7 to the ESB Networks.    It must be accompanied by a Letter of Authority signed by the individual on the MPRN authorising a third party to act on their behalf on all matters relating to the application for connection of Mini-Generation.

The application is reviewed commercially and once it is deemed commercially complete, you will receive an email alerting you of the invoice number and the various payment options available. A corresponding VAT invoice for the non-refundable application fee in the amount of €977.85 (inclusive of VAT at 23%) will issue within 10 business days.

Connecting Mini-Generation

Mini-Generation is the term which applies when an electricity customer installs inverter connected generation, within the range covered in the definition below, at a premises for the purpose of producing electricity. These generators are generally installed to locally produce clean electricity  primarily for self-consumption, thus reducing the need and cost of purchasing electricity. Mini-Generation allows customers to take action to address the issues of climate change, rising electricity prices and reliance on fossil fuels on our journey to a clean electric future together. 

Mini-Generation is designed to operate in parallel with the electricity network and is defined as a source of inverter connected electrical energy, and all associated electrical equipment.

Solar System Install

What size Inverter do I need?

In terms of inverter sizes and sizing, essentially all properties have an electrical supply. Typically, for domestic properties this will be a single-phase connection and for commercial properties this will be a three-phase connection. This is not the case with every single site but is a good rule of thumb. The electrical supply will influence the choice of inverter available, with most manufacturers offering both single and three phase solutions

How long does an average installation take?

This comes down to the size of the system you have purchased and the difficulties that may be specific to your house for the installation. Generally, a full day is required for a 5kW+ system.

Is my solar system battery ready?

This depends on the inverter you purchased at the time, and what type of battery you are adding on later down the track. If you have plans to add a battery later, please let us know in advance, we can then quote you with a battery ready inverter (Hybrid inverter). We can also retro-fit a battery to an existing non-battery ready solar system, so do not hesitate to make an enquiry.

What maintenance is required for my solar system?

We always recommend customers schedule solar panel cleaning every 12 – 24 months. This will ensure the efficiency of your solar panels and prevent cracks from hot spots (caused by debris blocking the sunlight). There is no required maintenance cycle for inverters and batteries. During a cleaning session, our technician will perform a check up on the inverter and battery to make sure they are performing as they should.

Can I go off-grid with my solar & battery system?

Yes, you certainly can, but we don’t always advise you do. If you are in a metro area and already connected to the grid, the answer is not to. To go completely off grid, it will require a very large solar and battery system at much greater expense. In these cases, we can help you design a system to minimize your reliance of the grid.

How much do I get for selling electricity back to the grid in Ireland?

The rate for selling electricity back to the grid varies, depending on market conditions and the specific export scheme. It is important to check with your DSO for the most up-to-date rates and terms.

Grants

What types of Grants are available?

There are two types of grants widely available in Ireland: SEAI, and TAMS3 Solar Capital and Investment Scheme. RJC Renewables is a Registered Contractor for both the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

SEAI

The Solar Electricity Grant provides a once-off grant towards the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for your home. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). You must apply for the grant and receive a grant offer from SEAI before you get your solar panels.  Click Here

RJC Consulting and Engineering Ltd is listed with SEAI Registered Solar PV Companies

TAMS3

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) provide grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding. The Solar Capital Investment Scheme will encourage the purchase of solar investments thereby reducing dependence on fossil energy. The solar scheme will be ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000 and will be grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.

Solar Capital Investment Scheme Terms and Conditions
TAMS SCIS Terms & Conditions

Solar Capital Investment Scheme User Manual
TAMS SCIS User Manual

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