Solar Panels in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry
Ballylongford is a village in Co. Kerry with a population of around 415. Located 34.1 km from Killarney, the area has a solar yield of 776 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,104 kWh annually, saving an estimated €931+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Solar energy output for Ballylongford, Co. Kerry
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 776 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,104 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,426 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €931+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Ballylongford (52.55°N, 9.48°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Ballylongford
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Ballylongford at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 415 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 186 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 68% |
| Built Before 2000 | 77% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.6 |
| Elevation | 1 metres |
| Eircode Area | V15 |
| Dist. to Killarney | 34.1 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.5460°N, 9.4750°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Shannon Airport, 40.9 km).
Weather & Climate in Ballylongford
Weather data from Met Eireann (Shannon Airport station, 40.9 km from Ballylongford). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Ballylongford
98% of dwellings in Ballylongford are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 68% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 77% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Ballylongford: Local Solar Energy Profile
Ballylongford is a village in Co. Kerry with a population of 415 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Killarney (34.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Ballylongford is V15. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Ballylongford has 186 households, of which 98% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,104 kWh per year (776 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1078 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 11°C.
How solar panels pay off in Ballylongford
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ballylongford can save an estimated €931+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,584 kWh annually.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Kerry ranks #8 in Ireland for solar yield with 896 kWh/kWp. Homes in Ballylongford benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ballylongford today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Ballylongford homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry 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 €3,200–€6,200.
289 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Ballylongford, Co. Kerry. Compare installers in Kerry or read verified reviews.
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Ballylongford
How much do solar panels cost in Ballylongford?
A 4kWp system in Ballylongford 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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Ballylongford?
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.
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.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar installations are exempt from planning permission, provided panels don't project more than 15cm from the roof and don't cover more than 50% of total roof area.
How does shading affect solar panels in Ballylongford?
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 maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
Do solar panels work in winter in Kerry?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Kerry still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,584 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
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: April 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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