Solar Panels in Carraig na bhFear, Co. Cork
Carraig na bhFear is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of around 500. Located 9.9 km from Cork City, 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.
Carraig na bhFear solar irradiance and generation figures
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 812 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,248 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,503 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €974+ |
| Household Coverage | 77% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Carraig na bhFear (51.99°N, 8.48°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Carraig na bhFear
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Carraig na bhFear at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 500 (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 | 117 metres |
| Eircode Area | T34 |
| Dist. to Cork City | 9.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 51.9877°N, 8.4776°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Cork Airport, 15.7 km).
Weather & Climate in Carraig na bhFear
Weather data from Met Eireann (Cork Airport station, 15.7 km from Carraig na bhFear). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Carraig na bhFear
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).
Renewable Energy Potential in Carraig na bhFear
Carraig na bhFear is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of 500 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Cork City (9.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Carraig na bhFear is T34. 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 Carraig na bhFear 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 3,248 kWh per year (812 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1319 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.4°C.
Why Go Solar in Carraig na bhFear?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Carraig na bhFear can save an estimated €974+ 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 Carraig na bhFear benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Carraig na bhFear today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Carraig na bhFear Residents
Homeowners in Carraig na bhFear, 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.
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Carraig na bhFear solar panel questions answered
How much do solar panels cost in Carraig na bhFear?
A 4kWp system in Carraig na bhFear 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.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Carraig na bhFear?
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.
Do solar panels increase property value in Carraig na bhFear?
Yes. Solar panels improve your BER rating and can increase property value by up to 4%. Buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes with lower running costs. A solar system in Carraig na bhFear is a long-term investment in your property.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Carraig na bhFear?
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 much electricity will solar panels generate in Carraig na bhFear?
Based on Cork county data, a 4kWp system in Carraig na bhFear generates approximately 3,628 kWh per year, covering 77% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Cork receives around 1,380 sunshine hours annually.
Are solar panels worth it in Carraig na bhFear?
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 Carraig na bhFear pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Carraig na bhFear?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €974+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Carraig na bhFear pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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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