Solar Panels in Blacklion, Co. Cavan
Blacklion is a village in Co. Cavan with a population of around 175. Located 47.5 km from Cavan Town, the area has a solar yield of 702 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,808 kWh annually, saving an estimated €842+ 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 Blacklion, Co. Cavan
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 702 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,808 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,250 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €842+ |
| Household Coverage | 67% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Blacklion (54.29°N, 7.88°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Blacklion
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Blacklion at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 175 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 70 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 94% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 39% |
| Built Before 2000 | 51% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 4.8 |
| Elevation | 64 metres |
| Eircode Area | H14 |
| Dist. to Cavan Town | 47.5 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.2916°N, 7.8762°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Finner, 32.7 km).
Weather & Climate in Blacklion
Weather data from Met Eireann (Finner station, 32.7 km from Blacklion). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Blacklion
94% of dwellings in Blacklion are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 39% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 51% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Blacklion: Local Solar Energy Profile
Blacklion is a village in Co. Cavan with a population of 175 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Cavan Town (47.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Blacklion is H14. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Blacklion has 70 households, of which 94% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,808 kWh per year (702 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1246 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.4°C.
How solar panels pay off in Blacklion
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Blacklion can save an estimated €842+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,364 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.
Energy Independence
For homes in rural Blacklion, solar panels provide energy security and reduced reliance on the grid. Combined with a battery, you can store power for evening use.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Blacklion today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Blacklion homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Blacklion, Co. Cavan 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 Cavan
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Cavan.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Blacklion
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Solar Panels in Areas Near Blacklion
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Blacklion
How much do solar panels cost in Blacklion?
A 4kWp system in Blacklion 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 3,364 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
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.
Do solar panels work in winter in Cavan?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Cavan still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,364 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Blacklion?
Solar panels stay with the property as a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. The SEAI grant does not need to be repaid if you sell. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Blacklion?
Yes. With estimated savings of €842+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Blacklion pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Blacklion?
Apply online at seai.ie with your MPRN and Eircode. Use an SEAI-registered installer. Do not start work before your Letter of Offer. After installation, complete a BER assessment. The grant is paid to your bank within 4-6 weeks.
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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