Solar Panels in Hacketstown, Co. Carlow
Hacketstown is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of around 653. Located 24.8 km from Carlow Town, the area has a solar yield of 782 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,128 kWh annually, saving an estimated €938+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How much solar energy can you generate in Hacketstown?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 782 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,128 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,490 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €938+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Hacketstown (52.87°N, 6.56°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Hacketstown
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Hacketstown at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 653 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 254 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 95% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 53% |
| Built Before 2000 | 74% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 4.7 |
| Elevation | 166 metres |
| Eircode Area | R93 |
| Dist. to Carlow Town | 24.8 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.8652°N, 6.5594°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 23.9 km).
Weather & Climate in Hacketstown
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 23.9 km from Hacketstown). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Hacketstown
95% of dwellings in Hacketstown are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 53% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 74% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Hacketstown and Renewable Energy
Hacketstown is a small town in Co. Carlow with a population of 653 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Carlow Town (24.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. At an elevation of 166 metres, installations in Hacketstown should consider potential wind exposure when planning panel mounting. The Eircode routing key for Hacketstown is R93. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Hacketstown has 254 households, of which 95% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,128 kWh per year (782 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
What Hacketstown homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Hacketstown can save an estimated €938+ 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 Hacketstown benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Hacketstown today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Hacketstown
Homeowners in Hacketstown, 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 Hacketstown
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Hacketstown
How much do solar panels cost in Hacketstown?
A 4kWp system in Hacketstown 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.
What is a BER assessment and do I need one?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required after installing solar panels to claim the SEAI grant. A BER assessor visits your home and rates its energy efficiency from A1 to G. Solar panels typically improve your BER by 1-2 grades. The assessment costs around €150-€200.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
What is the Microgeneration Support Scheme?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme allows homeowners to sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (free from ESB Networks) and a grid-connected system. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Hacketstown?
Based on Carlow county data, a 4kWp system in Hacketstown generates approximately 3,644 kWh per year, covering 74% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Carlow receives around 1,490 sunshine hours annually.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Hacketstown?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
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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