Solar Panel BER Uplift Calculator
Check the impact solar panels would have on your home's Building Energy Rating (BER)
Notes
Accuracy
Results align with the official DEAP software used for BER Assessments in Ireland.
For the greatest accuracy, enter your numeric BER grade (kWh/m²/yr), not the letter grade. Specify floor area according to your most recent BER Advisory Report. You can get your Advisory Report by entering your electricity meter number (MPRN) to the National BER Register online.
About BER Assessments
Accuracy of BER Assessments varies widely. You'll typically get a higher and more accurate BER grade if you can supply proof documents showing the details of all energy upgrades carried out on your home over the years. You need to re-supply these documents every time you get a new BER Assessment, so keep them in a safe place for the future. This calculator assumes that you provide proof of the details of your solar panel system to your BER Assessor, and that all other factors are the same before and after solar panel installation.
How Much Solar Will Save You
Click here to find out how much solar panels could reduce your electricity bills, and find the best electricity tariff for solar panel owners.
Methodology
Calculations are according to the Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure Manual. BER grades reflect "primary energy". 1 unit of electricity delivered from solar panels is considered to be equivalent to 1.75 units of primary energy, regardless of whether the energy is used onsite or exported. Home batteries and power diverters do not impact your BER grade.
Understanding How Solar Affects BER Grades
Solar almost always results in a better BER grade. However, the size of the improvement depends on several factors:
- Home size: Solar has a proportionally bigger impact on the BER grade of small homes
- Solar panel system size: The bigger your solar panel system, the more it will help your BER grade
- Light exposure: South-facing systems with minimal or no shading have the biggest impact on your BER grade
Remember that other factors unrelated to solar, like proof documents about the insulation quality in your home which you supply to your BER assessor, also impact your BER grade. This calculator is only reliable assuming those other factors are "held constant".