Known as a “virtual Aladdin’s cave” of fossils, gemstones, and natural treasures, The Rock Shop in Liscannor, Clare has always celebrated the beauty and power of the Earth.
Now, the business is taking that one step further — by harnessing nature in a new way with commercial solar PV panels. This installatioon will significantly reduce their carbon footprint, while protecting the business against rising electricity costs.
Project Details
System Overview
- System Size: 47.78 kWp
- Panels Installed: 105 × Jinko 455 W
- Inverters: Fronius (15 kW Symo + 5 kW & 8 kW Gen24)
- Annual PV Production: 40,850 kWh
- Direct Consumption of Power: 73.5%
- Self-Sufficiency Level: 42.9%
- Electricity Exported: 10,798 kWh/year
Financial
- Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 23.37%
- Payback Period: 4 Years, 3 Months
- Electricity Production Cost: €0.0871 / kWh
Working with Solgrid Ltd, The Rock Shop installed a 47.78 kWp solar PV system designed to reduce energy costs while supporting a more sustainable future.
The system is projected to generate over 40,000 kWh of electricity annually, allowing the business to produce more than 40% of its energy on-site. It’s a move that not only reduces reliance on the grid, but also helps protect against rising electricity costs.
With over 73% of this energy used directly within the business, the system is carefully designed to maximise value — ensuring that the energy generated is put to good use every day.
There’s a natural synergy at play here. A business built on showcasing the Earth’s natural beauty is now also drawing on one of its most powerful resources — the sun.
Financially, the system is expected to deliver a payback period of just over four years, supported by an SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant. Over ten years, it is projected to generate more than €74,000 in savings and revenue, making it a smart and sustainable investment.
Environmentally, the impact is just as impressive, with over 13 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided each year.
Carbon Savings:
13,568 kg CO₂ saved per annum; 407,040 kg over product lifetime of 30 years
Yearly Equivalencies:
Trees planted: 224
Coal saved: 5,427 kg
KMs avoided: 54,272 km
Solgrid managed the entire project from design through to installation, ensuring a seamless process with minimal disruption to daily operations.
For The Rock Shop, this project is about more than just energy savings — it’s about aligning the business with the values it represents.
A brighter future, set in stone.