Solar Panels in New Quay, Co. Clare
New Quay is a village in Co. Clare with a population of around 400. Located 35.3 km from Ennis, the area has a solar yield of 792 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh annually, saving an estimated €950+ 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 New Quay?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 792 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,168 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,343 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €950+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for New Quay (53.15°N, 9.08°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in New Quay
kWh per month (4kWp system)
New Quay at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 8 metres |
| Eircode Area | H91 |
| Dist. to Ennis | 35.3 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.1547°N, 9.0797°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Athenry, 24.6 km).
Weather & Climate in New Quay
Weather data from Met Eireann (Athenry station, 24.6 km from New Quay). 5-year average (2019–2023).
New Quay and Renewable Energy
New Quay is a village in Co. Clare with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Ennis (35.3 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for New Quay is H91. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh per year (792 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1360 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
What New Quay homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in New Quay can save an estimated €950+ 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 New Quay benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in New Quay today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in New Quay
Homeowners in New Quay, 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 New Quay
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in New Quay
How much do solar panels cost in New Quay?
A 4kWp system in New Quay 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.
Are solar panels worth it in New Quay?
Yes. With estimated savings of €950+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in New Quay pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ 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.
How does shading affect solar panels in New Quay?
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.
Can I add a battery to my solar system?
Yes. A home battery (typically 5-10 kWh) stores excess solar electricity for evening use. This increases your self-consumption from around 30-40% to 60-80%. Batteries currently cost €3,000-€6,000 and are not yet covered by the SEAI grant.
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.
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.
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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