Solar Panels in Suncroft, Co. Kildare
Suncroft is a village in Co. Kildare with a population of around 491. Located 17.8 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.
Suncroft solar irradiance and generation figures
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 775 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,100 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,295 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €930+ |
| Household Coverage | 74% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Suncroft (53.11°N, 6.86°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Suncroft
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Suncroft at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 491 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 155 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 94% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 68% |
| Built Before 2000 | 69% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.3 |
| Elevation | 88 metres |
| Eircode Area | R56 |
| Dist. to Naas | 17.8 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 53.1075°N, 6.8618°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 27.6 km).
Weather & Climate in Suncroft
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 27.6 km from Suncroft). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Suncroft
94% of dwellings in Suncroft are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 68% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 69% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Renewable Energy Potential in Suncroft
Suncroft is a village in Co. Kildare with a population of 491 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Naas (17.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Suncroft is R56. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Suncroft has 155 households, of which 94% 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 (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
Why Go Solar in Suncroft?
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Suncroft 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 Suncroft today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
SEAI Solar Grant for Suncroft Residents
Homeowners in Suncroft, 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 Suncroft
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Suncroft solar panel questions answered
How much do solar panels cost in Suncroft?
A 4kWp system in Suncroft 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 maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very little maintenance. Rain keeps them clean in most cases. There are no moving parts. Your inverter may need replacing once in 25 years (10-15 year lifespan). Annual visual checks and occasional cleaning if near trees is all that's needed.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Suncroft?
Apply online at seai.ie with your MPRN and Eircode. Use an SEAI-registered installer. Do not start work before your Letter of Offer. After installation, complete a BER assessment. The grant is paid to your bank within 4-6 weeks.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Suncroft?
Solar panels stay with the property as a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. The SEAI grant does not need to be repaid if you sell. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Suncroft?
Most homes in Suncroft 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.
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 a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
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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