Solar Panels in Convoy, Co. Donegal
Located just 11.5 km from Letterkenny, Convoy has a solar yield of 719 kWh/kWp (ideal conditions for solar energy). A 4kWp system generates approximately 2,876 kWh annually, covering 68% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €863+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
What is the solar potential in Convoy?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 719 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,876 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,175 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €863+ |
| Household Coverage | 68% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Convoy (54.86°N, 7.66°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Convoy
kWh per month (4kWp system)
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. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,876 kWh per year (719 kWh/kWp). 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 €863+ 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 Convoy today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Convoy
Homeowners in Convoy, 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 Convoy
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Convoy, Co. Donegal.
Areas around Convoy we serve
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
Find Solar Installers in Donegal
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Convoy and all of Donegal.
Your solar questions for Convoy
How much do solar panels cost in Convoy?
A 4kWp system in Convoy 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 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.
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
Get a Free Solar Quote in Convoy
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Convoy, Co. Donegal.