Solar Panels in Buttevant, Co. Cork
Buttevant is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of around 1,080. Located 39.5 km from Cork City, the area has a solar yield of 780 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,120 kWh annually, saving an estimated €936+ 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 Buttevant?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 780 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,120 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,380 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €936+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Buttevant (52.23°N, 8.67°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Buttevant
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Buttevant at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,080 (Census 2022) |
| Houses/Bungalows (Co. Cork avg.) | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied (Co. Cork avg.) | 58% |
| Built Before 2000 (Co. Cork avg.) | 70% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home (Co. Cork avg.) | 5.2 |
| Elevation | 92 metres |
| Eircode Area | P51 |
| Dist. to Cork City | 39.5 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.2332°N, 8.6705°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Moore Park, 28.8 km).
Weather & Climate in Buttevant
Weather data from Met Eireann (Moore Park station, 28.8 km from Buttevant). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Buttevant
Across Co. Cork, 98% of dwellings 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. 70% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
About Solar Energy in Buttevant
Buttevant is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of 1,080 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Cork City (39.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Buttevant is P51. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Across the wider Cork area, 98% of dwellings are houses or bungalows and 58% are owner-occupied (Census 2022). Homeowners in Buttevant with a south, east, or west-facing roof are well positioned for solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,120 kWh per year (780 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1104 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Buttevant
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Buttevant can save an estimated €936+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,628 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. Cork ranks #6 in Ireland for solar yield with 907 kWh/kWp. Homes in Buttevant benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Buttevant today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Buttevant
Homeowners in Buttevant, Co. Cork 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 Cork
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What Buttevant homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Buttevant?
A 4kWp system in Buttevant 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 3,628 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Buttevant?
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.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Buttevant?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
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 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.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Buttevant?
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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