Solar Panels in Kilfenora, Co. Clare
Kilfenora is a village in Co. Clare with a population of around 152. Located 22.6 km from Ennis, the area has a solar yield of 786 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,144 kWh annually, saving an estimated €943+ 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 Kilfenora?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 786 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,144 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,426 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €943+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Kilfenora (52.99°N, 9.22°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Kilfenora
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Kilfenora at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 152 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 66 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 100% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 52% |
| Built Before 2000 | 62% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.3 |
| Elevation | 61 metres |
| Eircode Area | V95 |
| Dist. to Ennis | 22.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.9899°N, 9.2170°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Shannon Airport, 38.9 km).
Weather & Climate in Kilfenora
Weather data from Met Eireann (Shannon Airport station, 38.9 km from Kilfenora). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Kilfenora
100% of dwellings in Kilfenora are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 52% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 62% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Kilfenora and Renewable Energy
Kilfenora is a village in Co. Clare with a population of 152 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Ennis (22.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Kilfenora is V95. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Kilfenora has 66 households, of which 100% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,144 kWh per year (786 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1078 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 11°C.
What Kilfenora homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Kilfenora can save an estimated €943+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,552 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. Clare ranks #9 in Ireland for solar yield with 888 kWh/kWp. Homes in Kilfenora benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Kilfenora today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Kilfenora
Homeowners in Kilfenora, Co. Clare 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 Clare
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Clare.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Kilfenora
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Kilfenora, Co. Clare.
Towns near Kilfenora for solar installation
Also serving nearby areas in Clare:
Find Solar Installers in Clare
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Kilfenora and all of Clare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Kilfenora
How much do solar panels cost in Kilfenora?
A 4kWp system in Kilfenora 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 3,552 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Kilfenora?
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 solar panels work in winter in Clare?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Clare still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,552 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
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 is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment: it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
How does shading affect solar panels in Kilfenora?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly. Modern systems use optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system. Your installer will assess shading during the site survey.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Kilfenora?
Most homes in Kilfenora benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 75% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
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
Get a Free Solar Quote in Kilfenora
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Kilfenora, Co. Clare.