Solar Panels in Rathmore, Co. Kildare
Rathmore is a small town in Co. Kildare with a population of around 1,045. Located 8.6 km from Naas, the area has a solar yield of 885 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,540 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1062+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €6,500–€7,200.
Rathmore solar irradiance and generation figures
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 885 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,540 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1062+ |
| Household Coverage | 84% of avg use |
Based on county-level solar data for Kildare. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Rathmore at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,045 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 301 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 99% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 49% |
| Built Before 2000 | 47% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.4 |
| Elevation | 64 metres |
| Eircode Area | W91 |
| Dist. to Naas | 8.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.2934°N, 6.6611°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 14.8 km).
Weather & Climate in Rathmore
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 14.8 km from Rathmore). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Rathmore
99% of dwellings in Rathmore are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 49% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
Renewable Energy Potential in Rathmore
Rathmore is a small town in Co. Kildare with a population of 1,045 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Naas (8.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Rathmore is W91. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Rathmore has 301 households, of which 99% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. The area receives around 1,295 sunshine hours annually, allowing a 4kWp solar system to generate approximately 3,540 kWh per year. The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
Why Go Solar in Rathmore?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Rathmore can save an estimated €1062+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,540 kWh annually.
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 Rathmore today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Rathmore Residents
Homeowners in Rathmore, Co. Kildare 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€6,500–€7,200.
353 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Rathmore, Co. Kildare. Compare installers in Kildare or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Rathmore
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Rathmore, Co. Kildare.
Mastertech Group Ltd
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Laois Electrical
carlow, dublin, kildare +4 more
Astatine Limited
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Rathmore
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Rathmore solar panel questions answered
How much do solar panels cost in Rathmore?
A 4.4 kWp system in Rathmore typically costs €8,300–€9,000 before grants. After the €1,800 SEAI grant and 0% VAT, the net cost is €6,500–€7,200. The system generates approximately 3,540 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What is the Microgeneration Support Scheme?
The Microgeneration Support Scheme allows homeowners to sell surplus solar electricity back to the grid at 15-25c/kWh. You need a smart meter (free from ESB Networks) and a grid-connected system. The first €400/year of export income is tax-free.
Do solar panels work in winter in Kildare?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Kildare still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,540 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
How does shading affect solar panels in Rathmore?
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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Rathmore?
Most roofs are suitable. You need at least 15-20 m² of unshaded roof space for a typical 4kWp system (10 panels). South, east, or west-facing roofs work well. Your installer will assess your roof's orientation, angle, and structural suitability during a site survey.
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 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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Rathmore?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Rathmore. Most homes stay grid-connected and sell surplus back through the Microgeneration Support Scheme. A hybrid inverter with 10-20 kWh of battery storage covers evenings and power cuts, which is what most people searching "off-grid" actually want. A true off-grid system needs a much larger array and battery bank, and you lose the grant-supported export income.
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: September 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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