Solar Panels in Kerry Pike, Co. Cork
Kerry Pike is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of around 500. Located 6.5 km from Cork City, the area has a solar yield of 817 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,268 kWh annually, saving an estimated €980+ 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 Kerry Pike, Co. Cork
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 817 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,268 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,503 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €980+ |
| Household Coverage | 78% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Kerry Pike (51.91°N, 8.57°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Kerry Pike
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Kerry Pike 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 | 53 metres |
| Eircode Area | T23 |
| Dist. to Cork City | 6.5 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 51.9115°N, 8.5678°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Cork Airport, 9.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Kerry Pike
Weather data from Met Eireann (Cork Airport station, 9.1 km from Kerry Pike). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Kerry Pike
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).
Kerry Pike: Local Solar Energy Profile
Kerry Pike is a small town in Co. Cork with a population of 500 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Cork City (6.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Kerry Pike is T23. 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 Kerry Pike 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 3,268 kWh per year (817 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1319 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.4°C.
How solar panels pay off in Kerry Pike
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Kerry Pike can save an estimated €980+ 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 Kerry Pike benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Kerry Pike today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Kerry Pike homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Kerry Pike, 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 Kerry Pike
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Solar Panels in Areas Near Kerry Pike
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Kerry Pike
How much do solar panels cost in Kerry Pike?
A 4kWp system in Kerry Pike 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 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.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Kerry Pike?
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Kerry Pike?
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.
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.
Do solar panels work in winter in Cork?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Cork still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,628 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Kerry Pike?
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.
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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