Choosing solar panels is a big decision for any household. With rising energy costs, changing tariffs and so much information online, it can be hard to know where to start or who to trust.
In this video, Emma tells us her experience of installing solar panels and battery storage at her home just outside Banbridge. She talks honestly about why she started looking at renewables, how she found Encom Energy and the real impact solar has had on her energy bills since 2022.
If you are researching solar panels in Northern Ireland and wondering if they are worth it, Emma’s story and her experience with Encom answers many of the same questions our customers ask us every day.
Why do homeowners start looking at solar panels?
For many of our customers, the journey into renewable energy starts with rising bills and a desire for more control.
Emma began seriously considering solar during Covid. Like many families, spending more time at home meant higher electricity use and more awareness of household energy costs. It also gave her the time to properly research how solar panels and battery storage could work for her family long term.
By spring 2022, she had started hearing about Encom through friends and family who had already installed solar panels. Word of mouth and real results played a big role in her decision to take the next step.
At Encom, we see this time and time again. Customers come to us not just because of energy prices, but because they want stability, predictability and a smarter way to power their home.
Are solar panels really worth it in Northern Ireland?
This is one of the most common questions we hear and Emma’s experience gives a clear answer.
Despite installing her system in 2022 during a period of rapidly rising energy prices across Europe, Emma saw her energy bills drop dramatically. Her quarterly electricity costs reduced from around £200 per quarter to just £30 to £40.
That level of saving is possible because solar in Northern Ireland works differently across the seasons and when it is designed correctly, it works all year round.
At Encom, we design systems specifically for Northern Ireland homes, making sure customers benefit in summer and winter, not just on sunny days.
What solar system did Emma install?
Emma’s home was fitted with a carefully designed system to maximise savings and flexibility:
• 14 x JA Solar 390W all black mono panels
• Rosen Solar Powerwall 48V 200Ah 10kW battery
• Eddi hot water diverter
This setup allows Emma to generate, store and use her own energy efficiently, while also reducing reliance on oil and grid electricity.
Our team designs each system based on the home, usage patterns and future needs, rather than offering one size fits all packages.
How does a solar battery work in summer?
During the summer months, Emma’s solar panels generate enough electricity to fully charge her battery during the day.
Once the battery is full, any excess energy is automatically diverted by the Eddi system to heat her hot water. This smart use of surplus solar has meant Emma has not had to buy heating oil since 2022.
Any additional excess electricity is exported back to the grid, creating further value from the system.
This is a key reason we often recommend battery storage and hot water diverters together. They ensure your solar energy is used efficiently rather than wasted.
Can solar still save money in winter?
Absolutely and this is where battery storage becomes even more valuable.
During winter, when solar generation is lower, Emma uses Economy 7 tariffs to top up her battery overnight at cheaper rates. That stored energy is then used during the day, reducing the need to buy expensive peak electricity.
This smart combination of solar generation, battery storage and time of use tariffs helps protect homeowners from price rises and keeps energy costs predictable year round.
At Encom, we guide customers on how to get the most from their system long after installation, including tariff advice and seasonal optimisation.
Why choose Encom for solar panels in Northern Ireland?
Emma describes Encom as the most competitively priced option and highlights how easy the entire process was from start to finish.
From the initial enquiry to quoting, installation and ongoing support, nothing was ever a problem. Even several years after installation, she continues to feel supported and confident in her system.
She would recommend Encom to anyone considering renewable energy for their home or business and says she cannot speak highly enough of the team.
For us, that is exactly how we want every customer to feel.
Thinking about solar panels for your home in Northern Ireland?
Emma’s story shows what is possible when solar is designed properly and installed by a local team who understands Northern Ireland homes.
If you are considering solar panels, battery storage or a complete home energy solution, Encom are here to help from first conversation to long after installation.