Solar Panels in Portmagee, Co. Kerry
Portmagee is a coastal village in Co. Kerry with a population of around 116. Located 62.7 km from Killarney, the area has a solar yield of 830 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,320 kWh annually, saving an estimated €996+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Portmagee solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 830 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,320 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,246 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €996+ |
| Household Coverage | 79% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Portmagee (51.89°N, 10.37°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Portmagee
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Portmagee at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 116 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 55 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 100% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 51% |
| Built Before 2000 | 67% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.4 |
| Elevation | 0 metres |
| Eircode Area | V23 |
| Dist. to Killarney | 62.7 km |
| Location | Coastal |
| Coordinates | 51.8857°N, 10.3660°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Valentia Observatory, 10.4 km).
Weather & Climate in Portmagee
Weather data from Met Eireann (Valentia Observatory station, 10.4 km from Portmagee). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Portmagee
100% of dwellings in Portmagee are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 51% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 67% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Going Solar in Portmagee
Portmagee is a village in Co. Kerry with a population of 116 (CSO Census 2022). It is located away from Killarney (62.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. Portmagee's coastal position means good exposure to sunlight, though installations should account for higher wind loads and salt air. The Eircode routing key for Portmagee is V23. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Portmagee has 55 households, of which 100% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,320 kWh per year (830 kWh/kWp). The area has higher rainfall (1763 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 11.3°C.
Solar panel benefits in Portmagee, Kerry
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Portmagee can save an estimated €996+ 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
Portmagee'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 Portmagee today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Portmagee SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Portmagee, 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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Solar Panel FAQs for Portmagee
How much do solar panels cost in Portmagee?
A 4kWp system in Portmagee 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.
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.
Can I sell excess solar electricity?
Yes. Under Ireland's Microgeneration Support Scheme, you sell surplus electricity at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (ESB Networks installs free). The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
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.
Can I add a battery to my solar system?
Yes. A home battery (typically 5-10 kWh) stores excess solar electricity for evening use. This increases your self-consumption from around 30-40% to 60-80%. Batteries currently cost €3,000-€6,000 and are not yet covered by the SEAI grant.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Portmagee?
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.
Do solar panels increase property value in Portmagee?
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 Portmagee is a long-term investment in your property.
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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