Solar Panels in Cape Clear, Co. Cork
Cape Clear is a village in Co. Cork with a population of around 400. Located 76.1 km from Cork City, the area has a solar yield of 869 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,476 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1043+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Solar energy output for Cape Clear, Co. Cork
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 869 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,476 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,380 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1043+ |
| Household Coverage | 83% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Cape Clear (51.50°N, 9.38°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Cape Clear
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Cape Clear at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Houses/Bungalows (Co. Cork avg.) | 83% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied (Co. Cork avg.) | 56% |
| Built Before 2000 (Co. Cork avg.) | 73% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home (Co. Cork avg.) | 5.3 |
| Elevation | 23 metres |
| Eircode Area | P81 |
| Dist. to Cork City | 76.1 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 51.5009°N, 9.3752°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Sherkin Island, 4.6 km).
Weather & Climate in Cape Clear
Weather data from Met Eireann (Sherkin Island station, 4.6 km from Cape Clear). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Cape Clear
Across Co. Cork, 83% of dwellings are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 56% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 73% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Cape Clear: Local Solar Energy Profile
Cape Clear is a village in Co. Cork with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Cork City (76.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Cape Clear is P81. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Across the wider Cork area, 83% of dwellings are houses or bungalows and 56% are owner-occupied (Census 2022). Homeowners in Cape Clear 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 3,476 kWh per year (869 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1183 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 11.4°C.
How solar panels pay off in Cape Clear
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Cape Clear can save an estimated €1043+ 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 Cape Clear benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Cape Clear today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Cape Clear homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Cape Clear, 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
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Cork.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Cape Clear
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Solar Panels in Areas Near Cape Clear
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Cape Clear
How much do solar panels cost in Cape Clear?
A 4kWp system in Cape Clear 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.
Can I sell excess solar electricity?
Yes. Under Ireland's Microgeneration Support Scheme, you sell surplus electricity at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (ESB Networks installs free). The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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