Victron & Solar PV Consulting (Ireland)
Build your own Solar energy system with confidence.
Independent advice on Victron systems, DIY solar, battery storage, and system design — with no sales pitch and no installer agenda.
Whether you’re planning a self-build, midway through a retrofit, or just want to sanity-check your approach, I offer clear, technically grounded support tailored to Irish conditions.
What I Offer
Victron system design and support
Multiplus, Quattro, Cerbo GX, BMV, GX Touch, Venus OS, VE.Bus wiring, and smart home integration (e.g. Home Assistant). I support both fully off-grid setups and grid-connected systems using Victron’s ESS (Energy Storage System) mode.
PV array sizing, orientation, tilt, and shading strategy
Optimised string design, realistic oversizing guidance, and shade-aware planning to maximise production and match or exceed your energy use profile.
Battery storage and inverter integration
LFP bank sizing (e.g. Pylontech, Weco), cell selection (e.g. EVE, Htium), BMS setup (e.g. Batrium), temperature control, and enclosure design — with trade-offs explained in plain English.
DIY and semi-DIY solar PV guidance
From sourcing to assembly: wiring, safety, layout, and expansion planning — whether you’re building from scratch or integrating with existing gear.
System quoting & supplier advice
Independent recommendations for Irish and EU suppliers. I can also directly supply components — such as Victron inverters and MPPTs — where it makes practical or financial sense.
Regulatory context in Ireland
Practical advice on SEAI grants, standing charges, feed-in tariffs, and NC6 process preparation (but not submission — see FAQ).
EV charger, diverter & heat pump integration
Guidance on integrating Victron systems with devices like Zappi, Eddi, or MyEnergi kit — particularly for maximising self-consumption or ensuring compatibility in off-grid setups.
Support for existing or messy installs
Help diagnosing and improving “Frankenstein” systems — no guarantees, but I’ll help you understand what’s going on and what’s salvageable.
Electrician Handover PDF
A tailored document for your electrician outlining your system goals, safety expectations, and grid connection requirements — helping reduce errors, speed up quoting, and ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Free PV Payback Calculator
Is this worth it?
I built a free calculator to help Irish homeowners estimate their solar payback time, including SEAI grants, feed-in tariffs, and self-consumption rates.
👉 Launch the Solar PV Payback Calculator
How It Works
You send over a brief summary of your project or question.
We arrange a 30–60 minute consultation (via call, email, or video).
I help you untangle specs, compare options, or identify potential problems.
If I don’t know something, I’ll tell you — and help you find someone who does.
I follow up with a clear written summary of everything needed for you to progress.
This service is designed for individuals who are building systems themselves or who want a second opinion without sales pressure.
Why Work With Me?
Technically fluent — PhD in physics with direct hands-on experience in solar and BESS projects using Victron systems.
Context-aware — Familiar with Irish regulations, weather assumptions, hardware availability, and supplier quirks.
No conflict of interest — I don’t represent any installer or third-party brand. I can supply hardware if needed, but it’s not my primary focus.
No nonsense — If something doesn’t make sense, I’ll say so. If a more straightforward solution exists, I’ll point you to it.
Why Victron
I’m not a brand loyalist — I use what works.
Victron gear stands out in Ireland because it’s flexible, robust, and extremely well-suited to DIY or semi-pro systems. If you want a large PV array without artificial clipping, real energy independence, or the option to go entirely off-grid, Victron is hard to beat.
It’s not the cheapest, and it’s not plug-and-play. But it’s open, configurable, extremely reliable, and designed for people who want to understand their system — not just hope it’s working.
Important Note
I do not carry out any work on the AC side of your system, and I don’t handle NC6 forms.
Even if your setup is fully off-grid, once a house has standard AC wiring and a microgeneration system (e.g. inverter output), only a registered electrician is legally permitted to handle the AC distribution board, certify safety, or complete ESB paperwork.
I can help you get everything else right — the DC design, battery setup, solar sizing, sourcing of equipment and wiring, and documentation preparation — but anything beyond the consumer unit is not within my domain.
Rates
60-minute consultation: €50.
For system reviews, design work, or ongoing support, I’ll provide a very fair quote based on the scope.
I’m really not into hard selling, recurring billing, or hidden extras. I enjoy building DIY solar setups, and I believe more Irish people should be able to do so safely as well. There’s a high probability that I will save you much more than my hourly rate.
Need More?
I’m happy to help you design, size, and sanity-check your system. But if you’re looking for official wiring diagrams, firmware updates, or Victron’s own documentation directly, their support portal is excellent:
FAQ
Do you install systems?
Yes — but only if you're within a few hours of Waterford and happy to cover my diesel. I don’t run a crew, so installs are small-scale and selective. Most of the time, I help people design, source, and get sign-off from their own trusted electrician.
Can I book just a 15-minute chat?
If it's a simple yes/no sanity check, feel free to email me. But if it's drifting into design, sizing, or wiring decisions, it's better to book a full session — it saves time for both of us.
Can you help me source parts?
Yes. I can advise on good EU suppliers, or I can supply and commission gear directly — Victron components, batteries, BMS units, etc. No pressure either way. Use me for advice, parts, or both.
Will you fill out my NC6 form?
No. That must be done by a RECI-registered electrician. I can help you prepare everything up to that point — but the form, inspection, and sign-off are outside my scope.
Do you roof-mount solar panels?
No — I focus exclusively on ground-mounted systems. They're safer to install, easier to maintain, and better suited to DIY or semi-DIY installs. I can help with both supply and setup if you're considering one. If you're considering roof-mounting, I strongly recommend leaving it to the professionals — the risks simply aren’t worth it.
Do I need an electrician if I’m off-grid?
Yes — if your house is wired with standard AC circuits, even a fully off-grid system still needs to be signed off by a qualified electrician. I don’t touch consumer units or AC boards. I’ll help you get the DC side right.
Can I estimate my solar system’s payback time before committing?
Yes — I’ve built a free Solar PV Payback Calculator for Irish homes. It provides a realistic estimate of your system’s return on investment, taking into account SEAI grants, self-consumption rates, feed-in tariffs, and current electricity prices.
Ready to get started? — Get in touch
part of an 18 kWp ground-mount system in coastal Waterford, designed for maximum annual yield
