Solar Panels in Convoy, Co. Donegal
Located just 11.5 km from Letterkenny, Convoy has a solar yield of 817 kWh/kWp (ideal conditions for solar energy). A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,268 kWh annually, covering 78% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €980+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €6,500–€7,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
What is the solar potential in Convoy?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 817 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,268 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,175 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €980+ |
| Household Coverage | 78% of avg use |
Based on county-level solar data for Donegal. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Convoy at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,702 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 619 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 97% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 55% |
| Built Before 2000 | 51% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.4 |
| Elevation | 36 metres |
| Eircode Area | F92 |
| Dist. to Letterkenny | 11.5 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.8603°N, 7.6641°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Finner, 55.2 km).
Weather & Climate in Convoy
Weather data from Met Eireann (Finner station, 55.2 km from Convoy). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Convoy
97% of dwellings in Convoy are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 55% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 51% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Solar Power in Convoy, Co. Donegal
Convoy is a town in Co. Donegal with a population of 1,702 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Letterkenny (11.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Convoy is F92. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Convoy has 619 households, of which 97% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. The area receives around 1,175 sunshine hours annually, allowing a 4kWp solar system to generate approximately 3,268 kWh per year. The area has higher rainfall (1246 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.4°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Convoy Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Convoy can save an estimated €980+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,268 kWh annually.
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 Convoy today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Convoy
Homeowners in Convoy, Co. Donegal can claim up to €1,800 from the SEAI solar PV grant (2026). Combined with 0% VAT, the net cost of a 4kWp system is typically€6,500–€7,200.
279 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Convoy, Co. Donegal. Compare installers in Donegal or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Convoy
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Convoy, Co. Donegal.
Ferm ENG LTD
cavan, donegal, galway +6 more
KM Electrical
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
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Your solar questions for Convoy
How much do solar panels cost in Convoy?
A 4.4 kWp system in Convoy typically costs €8,300–€9,000 before grants. After the €1,800 SEAI grant and 0% VAT, the net cost is €6,500–€7,200. The system generates approximately 3,268 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
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.
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.
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.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Convoy?
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 Convoy?
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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Convoy?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Convoy. Most homes stay grid-connected and sell surplus back through the Microgeneration Support Scheme. A hybrid inverter with 10-20 kWh of battery storage covers evenings and power cuts, which is what most people searching "off-grid" actually want. A true off-grid system needs a much larger array and battery bank, and you lose the grant-supported export income.
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: September 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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