Solar Panels in Clonegal, Co. Carlow
Clonegal is a village in Co. Carlow with a population of around 249. Located 24.4 km from Carlow Town, the area has a solar yield of 806 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,224 kWh annually, saving an estimated €967+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Solar energy output for Clonegal, Co. Carlow
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 806 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,224 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,490 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €967+ |
| Household Coverage | 77% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Clonegal (52.70°N, 6.65°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Clonegal
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Clonegal at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 249 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 59 metres |
| Eircode Area | R21 |
| Dist. to Carlow Town | 24.4 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.6954°N, 6.6484°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 25.7 km).
Weather & Climate in Clonegal
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 25.7 km from Clonegal). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Clonegal: Local Solar Energy Profile
Clonegal is a village in Co. Carlow with a population of 249 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Carlow Town (24.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clonegal is R21. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,224 kWh per year (806 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
How solar panels pay off in Clonegal
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clonegal can save an estimated €967+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,644 kWh annually.
SEAI Grant: Up to €1,800
Get up to €1,800 back from SEAI. The grant is available for homes built before 2021. No means testing. Apply online at seai.ie.
0% VAT on Installation
Residential solar installations are zero-rated for VAT since May 2023, saving approximately €1,000 on a typical system.
Earn from Excess Energy
Sell surplus electricity at 15-25c/kWh through the Microgeneration Support Scheme. The first €400/year is tax-free.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Carlow ranks #5 in Ireland for solar yield with 911 kWh/kWp. Homes in Clonegal benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Clonegal today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Clonegal homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Clonegal, Co. Carlow can apply for the SEAI solar PV grant. The maximum grant of €1,800 is confirmed for 2026.
| System Size | Grant Amount | Typical Net Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kWp | €1,400 | €2,000 - €3,000 |
| 3 kWp | €1,600 | €2,500 - €4,000 |
| 4 kWp+ | €1,800 (max) | €3,200 - €6,200 |
Solar Installers in Carlow
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Carlow.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Clonegal
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Solar Panels in Areas Near Clonegal
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Clonegal
How much do solar panels cost in Clonegal?
A 4kWp system in Clonegal typically costs €5,000-€8,000 before grants. After the €1,800 SEAI grant and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200-€6,200. The system generates approximately 3,644 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Clonegal?
Most roofs are suitable. You need at least 15-20 m² of unshaded roof space for a typical 4kWp system (10 panels). South, east, or west-facing roofs work well. Your installer will assess your roof's orientation, angle, and structural suitability during a site survey.
Are solar panels worth it in Clonegal?
Yes. With estimated savings of €967+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Clonegal pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Clonegal?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Clonegal generates approximately 3,644 kWh per year, covering 77% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Carlow receives around 1,490 sunshine hours annually.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar installations are exempt from planning permission, provided panels don't project more than 15cm from the roof and don't cover more than 50% of total roof area.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
In most cases, rain keeps solar panels clean enough in Ireland. If your panels are near trees or at a low angle, an annual clean may improve output by 2-5%. Never use abrasive materials. A soft brush and water is sufficient.
Can I sell excess solar electricity?
Yes. Under Ireland's Microgeneration Support Scheme, you sell surplus electricity at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (ESB Networks installs free). The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
Sources
- SEAI — Solar Electricity Grant
- SEAI — Find a Registered Professional
- Revenue — 0% VAT on Solar Panels
- PVGIS — EU Joint Research Centre (solar irradiance data)
- CSO — Census of Population 2022
- Met Eireann — Climate Data
Last updated: March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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