Solar Panels in Virginia, Co. Cavan
Virginia, Co. Cavan, has a solar yield of 768 kWh/kWp (ideal conditions for solar energy). A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,072 kWh annually, covering 73% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €922+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
How much solar energy can you generate in Virginia?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 768 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,072 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,250 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €922+ |
| Household Coverage | 73% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Virginia (53.84°N, 7.08°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Virginia
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Virginia at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 3,211 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 1,160 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 91% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 55% |
| Built Before 2000 | 35% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.5 |
| Elevation | 91 metres |
| Eircode Area | A82 |
| Dist. to Cavan Town | 25 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.8351°N, 7.0832°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Ballyhaise, 28.2 km).
Weather & Climate in Virginia
Weather data from Met Eireann (Ballyhaise station, 28.2 km from Virginia). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Virginia
91% of dwellings in Virginia are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 55% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
Virginia and Renewable Energy
Virginia is a town in Co. Cavan with a population of 3,211 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Cavan Town (25 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Virginia is A82. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Virginia has 1,160 households, of which 91% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,072 kWh per year (768 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1102 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.9°C.
What Virginia homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Virginia can save an estimated €922+ 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.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels improve your BER rating and can add up to 4% to your property value.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Virginia today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Virginia
Homeowners in Virginia, 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 Virginia
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Towns near Virginia for solar installation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Virginia
How much do solar panels cost in Virginia?
A 4kWp system in Virginia 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.
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.
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.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and typically last even longer. Panel efficiency degrades by about 0.5% per year, so after 25 years, your panels will still produce around 87% of their original output. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Virginia?
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.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Virginia?
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.
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.
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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