Solar Panels in Killea, Co. Donegal
Killea is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of around 400. Located 20.9 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.
Killea solar yield and performance data
| 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 Killea (54.98°N, 7.41°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Killea
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Killea at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 52 metres |
| Eircode Area | F93 |
| Dist. to Letterkenny | 20.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.9780°N, 7.4094°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Malin Head, 44 km).
Weather & Climate in Killea
Weather data from Met Eireann (Malin Head station, 44 km from Killea). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Going Solar in Killea
Killea is a village in Co. Donegal with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Letterkenny (20.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Killea is F93. 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 2,820 kWh per year (705 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1191 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.3°C.
Solar panel benefits in Killea, Donegal
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Killea 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.
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 Killea today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Killea SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Killea, 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 Killea
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Killea, Co. Donegal.
Where can you find solar installers near Killea?
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
Find Solar Installers in Donegal
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Killea and all of Donegal.
Solar Panel FAQs for Killea
How much do solar panels cost in Killea?
A 4kWp system in Killea 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 payback period for solar panels in Killea?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €846+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Killea pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Killea?
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 Killea pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ 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.
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Killea?
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.
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 Killea
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Killea, Co. Donegal.