Solar Panels in Bigwood, Co. Kilkenny
Bigwood is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 400. Located 36.6 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 905 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,620 kWh annually, saving an estimated €1086+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €6,500–€7,200.
Solar energy output for Bigwood, Co. Kilkenny
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 905 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,620 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €1086+ |
| Household Coverage | 86% of avg use |
Based on county-level solar data for Kilkenny. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Bigwood at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 77 metres |
| Eircode Area | X91 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 36.6 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.3346°N, 7.1139°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle, 42.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Bigwood
Weather data from Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle station, 42.1 km from Bigwood). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Bigwood: Local Solar Energy Profile
Bigwood is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Kilkenny (36.6 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Bigwood is X91. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. The area receives around 1,360 sunshine hours annually, allowing a 4kWp solar system to generate approximately 3,620 kWh per year. The area has moderate rainfall (1114 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
How solar panels pay off in Bigwood
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Bigwood can save an estimated €1086+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,620 kWh annually.
Top Solar County in Ireland
Co. Kilkenny ranks #7 in Ireland for solar yield with 905 kWh/kWp. Homes in Bigwood benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Bigwood today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Bigwood homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Bigwood, Co. Kilkenny 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.
323 SEAI-registered solar installers serve Bigwood, Co. Kilkenny. Compare installers in Kilkenny or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Bigwood
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Bigwood, Co. Kilkenny.
Willie Cronly Electrical
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Copper Coast Renewables
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Bigwood
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Bigwood
How much do solar panels cost in Bigwood?
A 4.4 kWp system in Bigwood 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 3,620 kWh/year, paying for itself in 4-6 years.
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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Bigwood?
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.
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 increase property value in Bigwood?
Yes. Solar panels improve your BER rating and can increase property value by up to 4%. Buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes with lower running costs. A solar system in Bigwood is a long-term investment in your property.
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 Bigwood?
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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Bigwood?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Bigwood. 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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