Solar Panels in Ballydavid, Co. Kerry
Ballydavid is a coastal village in Co. Kerry with a population of around 400. Located 47.1 km from Killarney, the area has a solar yield of 813 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,252 kWh annually, saving an estimated €976+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
What is the solar potential in Ballydavid?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 813 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,252 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,246 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €976+ |
| Household Coverage | 77% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Ballydavid (52.19°N, 10.37°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Ballydavid
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Ballydavid at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 9 metres |
| Eircode Area | V23 |
| Dist. to Killarney | 47.1 km |
| Location | Coastal |
| Coordinates | 52.1906°N, 10.3748°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Valentia Observatory, 29.5 km).
Weather & Climate in Ballydavid
Weather data from Met Eireann (Valentia Observatory station, 29.5 km from Ballydavid). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Power in Ballydavid, Co. Kerry
Ballydavid is a village in Co. Kerry with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Killarney (47.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. Ballydavid's coastal position means good exposure to sunlight, though installations should account for higher wind loads and salt air. The Eircode routing key for Ballydavid is V23. 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 3,252 kWh per year (813 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1763 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 11.3°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Ballydavid Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballydavid can save an estimated €976+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,584 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.
Coastal Location Advantage
Ballydavid's coastal position often means fewer obstructions and clearer horizons for solar exposure. Modern panels are designed to withstand coastal conditions including salt air.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballydavid today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Ballydavid
Homeowners in Ballydavid, Co. Kerry 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 Kerry
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Kerry.
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Your solar questions for Ballydavid
How much do solar panels cost in Ballydavid?
A 4kWp system in Ballydavid 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 3,584 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
How does shading affect solar panels in Ballydavid?
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.
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.
Do solar panels increase property value in Ballydavid?
Yes. Solar panels improve your BER rating and can increase property value by up to 4%. Buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes with lower running costs. A solar system in Ballydavid is a long-term investment in your property.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Ballydavid?
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.
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.
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
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