Solar Panels in Kerrykeel, Co. Donegal
Kerrykeel is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of around 400. Located 20.6 km from Letterkenny, the area has a solar yield of 712 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,848 kWh annually, saving an estimated €854+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Kerrykeel solar irradiance and generation figures
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 712 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,848 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,175 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €854+ |
| Household Coverage | 68% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Kerrykeel (55.14°N, 7.67°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Kerrykeel
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Kerrykeel at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 21 metres |
| Eircode Area | F92 |
| Dist. to Letterkenny | 20.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 55.1373°N, 7.6664°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Malin Head, 33.3 km).
Weather & Climate in Kerrykeel
Weather data from Met Eireann (Malin Head station, 33.3 km from Kerrykeel). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Renewable Energy Potential in Kerrykeel
Kerrykeel is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Letterkenny (20.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Kerrykeel is F92. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,848 kWh per year (712 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1191 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.3°C.
Why Go Solar in Kerrykeel?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Kerrykeel can save an estimated €854+ 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 Kerrykeel today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Kerrykeel Residents
Homeowners in Kerrykeel, 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 Kerrykeel
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Kerrykeel, Co. Donegal.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
Find Solar Installers in Donegal
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Kerrykeel and all of Donegal.
Kerrykeel solar panel questions answered
How much do solar panels cost in Kerrykeel?
A 4kWp system in Kerrykeel 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 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 I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar installations are exempt from planning permission, provided panels don't project more than 15cm from the roof and don't cover more than 50% of total roof area.
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 Kerrykeel?
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.
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.
What is a BER assessment and do I need one?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required after installing solar panels to claim the SEAI grant. A BER assessor visits your home and rates its energy efficiency from A1 to G. Solar panels typically improve your BER by 1-2 grades. The assessment costs around €150-€200.
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 Kerrykeel
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Kerrykeel, Co. Donegal.