Solar Panels in Clonmany, Co. Donegal
Clonmany is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of around 569. Located 39.8 km from Letterkenny, the area has a solar yield of 705 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,820 kWh annually, saving an estimated €846+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How much solar energy can you generate in Clonmany?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 705 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,820 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,175 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €846+ |
| Household Coverage | 67% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Clonmany (55.26°N, 7.41°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Clonmany
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Clonmany at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 569 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 202 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 100% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 67% |
| Built Before 2000 | 70% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.8 |
| Elevation | 26 metres |
| Eircode Area | F92 |
| Dist. to Letterkenny | 39.8 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 55.2630°N, 7.4122°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Malin Head, 13 km).
Weather & Climate in Clonmany
Weather data from Met Eireann (Malin Head station, 13 km from Clonmany). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Clonmany
100% of dwellings in Clonmany are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 67% 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).
Clonmany and Renewable Energy
Clonmany is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of 569 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Letterkenny (39.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clonmany is F92. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Clonmany has 202 households, of which 100% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,820 kWh per year (705 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1191 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.3°C.
What Clonmany homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clonmany can save an estimated €846+ 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.
Energy Independence
For homes in rural Clonmany, solar panels provide energy security and reduced reliance on the grid. Combined with a battery, you can store power for evening use.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Clonmany today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Clonmany
Homeowners in Clonmany, 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 Clonmany
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Clonmany
How much do solar panels cost in Clonmany?
A 4kWp system in Clonmany 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.
Do solar panels work in winter in Donegal?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Donegal still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,268 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Clonmany?
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Clonmany?
Yes. With estimated savings of €846+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Clonmany pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Clonmany?
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.
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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