Solar Panels in Donnycarney, Co. Dublin
Donnycarney is a small town in Co. Dublin with a population of around 500. Located 3.9 km from Dublin, the area has a solar yield of 790 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,160 kWh annually, saving an estimated €948+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Donnycarney solar irradiance and generation figures
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 790 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,160 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,500 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €948+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Donnycarney (53.37°N, 6.22°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Donnycarney
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Donnycarney at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 500 (Census 2022) |
| 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 small town in Co. Dublin with a population of 500 (CSO Census 2022). 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. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,160 kWh per year (790 kWh/kWp). 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 €948+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,660 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.
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 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 Dublin
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering 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 SEAI-registered installers covering Donnycarney and all of Dublin.
Donnycarney solar panel questions answered
How much do solar panels cost in Donnycarney?
A 4kWp system in Donnycarney 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 3,660 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 75% 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.
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 Donnycarney
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Donnycarney, Co. Dublin.