Solar Panels in Kilkee, Co. Clare
Kilkee is a small town in Co. Clare with a population of around 1,214. Located 47.8 km from Ennis, the area has a solar yield of 812 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,248 kWh annually, saving an estimated €974+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How productive are solar panels in Kilkee?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 812 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,248 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,426 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €974+ |
| Household Coverage | 77% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Kilkee (52.68°N, 9.64°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Kilkee
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Kilkee at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,214 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 496 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 91% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 58% |
| Built Before 2000 | 77% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5 |
| Elevation | 14 metres |
| Eircode Area | V15 |
| Dist. to Ennis | 47.8 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.6792°N, 9.6442°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Shannon Airport, 49 km).
Weather & Climate in Kilkee
Weather data from Met Eireann (Shannon Airport station, 49 km from Kilkee). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Kilkee
91% of dwellings in Kilkee are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 58% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 77% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
About Solar Energy in Kilkee
Kilkee is a small town in Co. Clare with a population of 1,214 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Ennis (47.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Kilkee is V15. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Kilkee has 496 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 3,248 kWh per year (812 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1078 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 11°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Kilkee
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Kilkee can save an estimated €974+ 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 Kilkee benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Kilkee today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Kilkee
Homeowners in Kilkee, 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 Kilkee
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Solar coverage near Kilkee
Also serving nearby areas in Clare:
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What Kilkee homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Kilkee?
A 4kWp system in Kilkee 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 roof direction is best for solar panels in Kilkee?
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Kilkee?
Yes. With estimated savings of €974+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Kilkee pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Kilkee?
Based on Clare county data, a 4kWp system in Kilkee generates approximately 3,552 kWh per year, covering 77% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Clare receives around 1,343 sunshine hours annually.
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.
Do I need a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
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.
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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