Solar Panels in Donnycarney, Co. Dublin
Located just 3.9 km from Dublin, Donnycarney has a solar yield of 915 kWh/kWp (among the highest in Ireland). A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,660 kWh annually, covering 87% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €1098+ 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.
Donnycarney solar irradiance and generation figures
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 915 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,660 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,500 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1098+ |
| Household Coverage | 87% of avg use |
Based on county-level solar data for Dublin. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Donnycarney at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Houses/Bungalows (Co. Dublin avg.) | 71% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied (Co. Dublin avg.) | 57% |
| Built Before 2000 (Co. Dublin avg.) | 73% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home (Co. Dublin avg.) | 4.8 |
| Elevation | 28 metres |
| Eircode Area | D03 |
| Dist. to Dublin | 3.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.3747°N, 6.2197°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Dublin Airport, 6.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Donnycarney
Weather data from Met Eireann (Dublin Airport station, 6.1 km from Donnycarney). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Donnycarney
Across Co. Dublin, 71% of dwellings are houses or bungalows, with good potential for rooftop solar installations. 57% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 73% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Renewable Energy Potential in Donnycarney
Donnycarney is a area near the county town in Co. Dublin. It is conveniently close to Dublin (3.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Donnycarney is D03. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Across the wider Dublin area, 71% of dwellings are houses or bungalows and 57% are owner-occupied (Census 2022). Homeowners in Donnycarney with a south, east, or west-facing roof are well positioned for solar panels. The area receives around 1,500 sunshine hours annually, allowing a 4kWp solar system to generate approximately 3,660 kWh per year. The area has relatively low rainfall (798 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 9.9°C.
Why Go Solar in Donnycarney?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Donnycarney can save an estimated €1098+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,660 kWh annually.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Dublin ranks #4 in Ireland for solar yield with 915 kWh/kWp. Homes in Donnycarney benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Donnycarney today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Donnycarney Residents
Homeowners in Donnycarney, Co. Dublin 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.
376 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Donnycarney, Co. Dublin. Compare installers in Dublin or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Donnycarney
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Donnycarney, Co. Dublin.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Donnycarney
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Donnycarney, Co. Dublin.
Nearby Towns Also Served
Also serving nearby areas in Dublin:
Find Solar Installers in Dublin
Browse 376 SEAI-registered installers covering Donnycarney and all of Dublin.
Solar Panel Costs Ireland
Full cost breakdown by system size, what affects price, and ROI timeline.
Best Solar Panels Ireland
Compare solar panels, inverters, and batteries used by Irish installers.
Donnycarney solar panel questions answered
How much do solar panels cost in Donnycarney?
A 4.4 kWp system in Donnycarney 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 3,660 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Donnycarney?
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 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.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Donnycarney?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
How does shading affect solar panels in Donnycarney?
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 much electricity will solar panels generate in Donnycarney?
Based on Dublin county data, a 4kWp system in Donnycarney generates approximately 3,660 kWh per year, covering 87% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Dublin receives around 1,500 sunshine hours annually.
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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Donnycarney?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Donnycarney. 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
Get a Free Solar Quote in Donnycarney
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Donnycarney, Co. Dublin.