Solar Panels in Straffan, Co. Kildare
Straffan is a small town in Co. Kildare with a population of around 1,158. Located 11.4 km from Naas, the area has a solar yield of 775 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,100 kWh annually, saving an estimated €930+ 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 Straffan?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 775 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,100 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,514 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €930+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Straffan (53.31°N, 6.61°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Straffan
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Straffan at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,158 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 372 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 100% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 84% |
| Built Before 2000 | 36% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 6.3 |
| Elevation | 62 metres |
| Eircode Area | W23 |
| Dist. to Naas | 11.4 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.3125°N, 6.6082°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome, 11.3 km).
Weather & Climate in Straffan
Weather data from Met Eireann (Casement Aerodrome station, 11.3 km from Straffan). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Straffan
100% of dwellings in Straffan are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 84% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
About Solar Energy in Straffan
Straffan is a small town in Co. Kildare with a population of 1,158 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Naas (11.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Straffan is W23. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Straffan has 372 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 3,100 kWh per year (775 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (804 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.2°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Straffan
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Straffan can save an estimated €930+ 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 Straffan today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Straffan
Homeowners in Straffan, 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.
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Solar coverage near Straffan
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What Straffan homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Straffan?
A 4kWp system in Straffan 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 size solar system do I need for my home in Straffan?
Most homes in Straffan benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 74% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
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.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in Straffan?
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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Straffan?
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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Straffan?
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.
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.
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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