Solar Panels in Borris, Co. Kilkenny
Borris is a small town in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 702. Located 25.4 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 764 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,056 kWh annually, saving an estimated €917+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How much solar energy can you generate in Borris?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 764 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,056 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €917+ |
| Household Coverage | 73% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Borris (52.61°N, 6.88°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Borris
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Borris at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 702 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 259 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 53% |
| Built Before 2000 | 73% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.2 |
| Elevation | 69 metres |
| Eircode Area | R21 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 25.4 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.6110°N, 6.8753°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 27.9 km).
Weather & Climate in Borris
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 27.9 km from Borris). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Borris
98% of dwellings in Borris are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 53% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 73% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Borris and Renewable Energy
Borris is a small town in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 702 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Kilkenny (25.4 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Borris is R21. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Borris has 259 households, of which 98% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,056 kWh per year (764 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
What Borris homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Borris can save an estimated €917+ 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 Borris benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Borris today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Borris
Homeowners in Borris, 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 Borris
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Towns near Borris for solar installation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Borris
How much do solar panels cost in Borris?
A 4kWp system in Borris 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.
Are solar panels worth it in Borris?
Yes. With estimated savings of €917+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Borris pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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 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.
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 to my solar panels if I move house in Borris?
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.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Borris?
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.
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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