Solar Panels in Broadford, Co. Kildare
Broadford is a village in Co. Kildare with a population of around 294. Located 30.2 km from Naas, the area has a solar yield of 778 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,112 kWh annually, saving an estimated €934+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How productive are solar panels in Broadford?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 778 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,112 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,295 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €934+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Broadford (53.42°N, 6.96°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Broadford
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Broadford at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 294 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 99 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 99% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 62% |
| Built Before 2000 | 79% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.3 |
| Elevation | 73 metres |
| Eircode Area | A83 |
| Dist. to Naas | 30.2 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.4239°N, 6.9592°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Dunsany, 22.3 km).
Weather & Climate in Broadford
Weather data from Met Eireann (Dunsany station, 22.3 km from Broadford). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Broadford
99% of dwellings in Broadford are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 62% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 79% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
About Solar Energy in Broadford
Broadford is a village in Co. Kildare with a population of 294 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Naas (30.2 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Broadford is A83. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Broadford has 99 households, of which 99% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,112 kWh per year (778 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (912 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Broadford
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Broadford can save an estimated €934+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,540 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.
Energy Independence
For homes in rural Broadford, solar panels provide energy security and reduced reliance on the grid. Combined with a battery, you can store power for evening use.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Broadford today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Broadford
Homeowners in Broadford, Co. Kildare 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 Kildare
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Kildare.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Broadford
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Solar coverage near Broadford
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What Broadford homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Broadford?
A 4kWp system in Broadford 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 3,540 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Broadford?
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.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Broadford?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €934+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Broadford pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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.
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Broadford?
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 long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and typically last even longer. Panel efficiency degrades by about 0.5% per year, so after 25 years, your panels will still produce around 87% of their original output. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement.
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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