Solar Panels in Clane, Co. Kildare
Located just 8.5 km from Naas, Clane has a solar yield of 766 kWh/kWp (ideal conditions for solar energy). A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,064 kWh annually, covering 73% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated €919+ per year. With the SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT, the net cost is €3,200–€6,200 with payback in 4–6 years.
How productive are solar panels in Clane?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 766 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,064 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €919+ |
| Household Coverage | 73% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Clane (53.29°N, 6.69°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Clane
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Clane at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 8,152 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 2,835 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 77% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 68% |
| Built Before 2000 | 49% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.3 |
| Elevation | 67 metres |
| Eircode Area | W91 |
| Dist. to Naas | 8.5 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.2912°N, 6.6861°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 16.5 km).
Weather & Climate in Clane
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 16.5 km from Clane). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Clane
77% of dwellings in Clane are houses or bungalows, with good potential for rooftop solar installations. 68% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
About Solar Energy in Clane
Clane is a town in Co. Kildare with a population of 8,152 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Naas (8.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Clane is W91. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Clane has 2,835 households, of which 77% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,064 kWh per year (766 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Clane
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Clane can save an estimated €919+ 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.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels improve your BER rating and can add up to 4% to your property value.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Clane today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Clane
Homeowners in Clane, 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 Clane
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Solar coverage near Clane
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What Clane homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Clane?
A 4kWp system in Clane 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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Clane?
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 happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Clane?
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 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.
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.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
In most cases, rain keeps solar panels clean enough in Ireland. If your panels are near trees or at a low angle, an annual clean may improve output by 2-5%. Never use abrasive materials. A soft brush and water is sufficient.
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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