Solar Panels in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal
Burnfoot is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of around 413. Located 23.9 km from Letterkenny, the area has a solar yield of 710 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,840 kWh annually, saving an estimated €852+ 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 Burnfoot?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 710 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,840 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,175 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €852+ |
| Household Coverage | 68% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Burnfoot (55.06°N, 7.41°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Burnfoot
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Burnfoot at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 413 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 146 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 97% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 60% |
| Built Before 2000 | 40% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.3 |
| Elevation | 4 metres |
| Eircode Area | F92 |
| Dist. to Letterkenny | 23.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 55.0584°N, 7.4051°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Malin Head, 35.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Burnfoot
Weather data from Met Eireann (Malin Head station, 35.1 km from Burnfoot). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Burnfoot
97% of dwellings in Burnfoot are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 60% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
About Solar Energy in Burnfoot
Burnfoot is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of 413 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Letterkenny (23.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Burnfoot is F92. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Burnfoot has 146 households, of which 97% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,840 kWh per year (710 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1191 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.3°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Burnfoot
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Burnfoot can save an estimated €852+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,268 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.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels improve your BER rating and can add up to 4% to your property value.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Burnfoot today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Burnfoot
Homeowners in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal 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 Donegal
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Donegal.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Burnfoot
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Solar coverage near Burnfoot
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
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What Burnfoot homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Burnfoot?
A 4kWp system in Burnfoot 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 3,268 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Burnfoot?
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 does shading affect solar panels in Burnfoot?
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.
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 happens to my solar panels if I move house in Burnfoot?
Solar panels stay with the property as a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. The SEAI grant does not need to be repaid if you sell. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Burnfoot?
Based on Donegal county data, a 4kWp system in Burnfoot generates approximately 3,268 kWh per year, covering 68% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Donegal receives around 1,175 sunshine hours annually.
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.
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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