**4. Discussion**

The e ffect of the project on electricity demand, on primary substation, the MV feeder circuit, the distribution transformer & low voltage (LV) network, the network losses and voltage profile is discussed; the modelled energy and GHG pay-back time and potential carbon credits from the project are reviewed along with the crowdfunding model as a means of funding in Ireland.

### *4.1. Impact on Electricity Demand of the Project*

The annual electricity demand of the project on electricity grid was approximately 210,800 kWh prior to the installation of 1.8 kWp solar PV, following installation, the demand reduced by 21% to 166,514 kWh. The model estimated the solar PV system generated 105,604 kWh electricity annually with 61,250 kWh of excess electricity fed into the electricity grid. These results would allow the unit owner to be compensated by net export rate where this applies and/or become more self-su fficient and less dependent on utility companies, protecting against higher electricity costs and contribute to increasing the security of electricity supply.

### *4.2. Impact on Primary Substation, MV Feeder Circuit, Distribution Transformer & LV Network, Network Losses and Voltage Profile*

The impact of the contribution of the community project and solar PV system the distribution transformer & LV network, the network losses and voltage profile are discussed.
