Solar Panels in Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny
Bennettsbridge is a small town in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 664. Located 8.1 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 794 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,176 kWh annually, saving an estimated €953+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Bennettsbridge solar yield and performance data
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 794 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,176 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €953+ |
| Household Coverage | 76% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Bennettsbridge (52.59°N, 7.18°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Bennettsbridge
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Bennettsbridge at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 664 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 250 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 99% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 76% |
| Built Before 2000 | 71% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.4 |
| Elevation | 34 metres |
| Eircode Area | R95 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 8.1 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.5917°N, 7.1835°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 35 km).
Weather & Climate in Bennettsbridge
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 35 km from Bennettsbridge). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Bennettsbridge
99% of dwellings in Bennettsbridge are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 76% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 71% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Going Solar in Bennettsbridge
Bennettsbridge is a small town in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 664 (CSO Census 2022). It is conveniently close to Kilkenny (8.1 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Bennettsbridge is R95. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Bennettsbridge has 250 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 3,176 kWh per year (794 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
Solar panel benefits in Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Bennettsbridge can save an estimated €953+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,620 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.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Kilkenny ranks #7 in Ireland for solar yield with 905 kWh/kWp. Homes in Bennettsbridge benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Bennettsbridge today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Bennettsbridge SEAI solar PV grant details
Homeowners in Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Kilkenny.
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Bennettsbridge
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.
Where can you find solar installers near Bennettsbridge?
Also serving nearby areas in Kilkenny:
Find Solar Installers in Kilkenny
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Bennettsbridge and all of Kilkenny.
Solar Panel FAQs for Bennettsbridge
How much do solar panels cost in Bennettsbridge?
A 4kWp system in Bennettsbridge 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 3,620 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Bennettsbridge?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €953+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Bennettsbridge pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
Do solar panels work in winter in Kilkenny?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round. While output is lower in winter, Kilkenny still receives usable daylight hours even in December. Annual generation figures (3,620 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account for seasonal variation.
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.
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.
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.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Bennettsbridge?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
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
Get a Free Solar Quote in Bennettsbridge
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.