Solar Panels in Killygordon, Co. Donegal
Killygordon is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of around 716. Located 17.9 km from Letterkenny, the area has a solar yield of 721 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,884 kWh annually, saving an estimated €865+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Killygordon solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 721 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 2,884 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,175 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €865+ |
| Household Coverage | 69% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Killygordon (54.80°N, 7.68°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Killygordon
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Killygordon at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 716 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 279 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 96% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 57% |
| Built Before 2000 | 53% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.5 |
| Elevation | 24 metres |
| Eircode Area | F93 |
| Dist. to Letterkenny | 17.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 54.7972°N, 7.6833°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Finner, 49.3 km).
Weather & Climate in Killygordon
Weather data from Met Eireann (Finner station, 49.3 km from Killygordon). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Killygordon
96% of dwellings in Killygordon are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 57% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 53% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Going Solar in Killygordon
Killygordon is a small town in Co. Donegal with a population of 716 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Letterkenny (17.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Killygordon is F93. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Killygordon has 279 households, of which 96% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 2,884 kWh per year (721 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1246 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.4°C.
Solar panel benefits in Killygordon, Donegal
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Killygordon can save an estimated €865+ 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 Killygordon today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Killygordon SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Killygordon, 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 Killygordon
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Killygordon, Co. Donegal.
Where can you find solar installers near Killygordon?
Also serving nearby areas in Donegal:
Find Solar Installers in Donegal
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Killygordon and all of Donegal.
Solar Panel FAQs for Killygordon
How much do solar panels cost in Killygordon?
A 4kWp system in Killygordon 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 I need a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
How does shading affect solar panels in Killygordon?
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.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Killygordon?
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.
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 to clean my solar panels?
In most cases, rain keeps solar panels clean enough in Ireland. If your panels are near trees or at a low angle, an annual clean may improve output by 2-5%. Never use abrasive materials. A soft brush and water is sufficient.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Killygordon?
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 Killygordon
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Killygordon, Co. Donegal.