Solar Panels in Fiddown, Co. Kilkenny
Fiddown is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 410. Located 35.9 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 818 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,272 kWh annually, saving an estimated €982+ 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 Fiddown?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 818 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,272 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €982+ |
| Household Coverage | 78% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Fiddown (52.33°N, 7.31°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Fiddown
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Fiddown at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 410 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 149 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 70% |
| Built Before 2000 | 30% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.6 |
| Elevation | 23 metres |
| Eircode Area | E32 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 35.9 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.3332°N, 7.3059°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle, 55.1 km).
Weather & Climate in Fiddown
Weather data from Met Eireann (Johnstown Castle station, 55.1 km from Fiddown). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Fiddown
98% of dwellings in Fiddown are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 70% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
Fiddown and Renewable Energy
Fiddown is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 410 (CSO Census 2022). It is accessible from Kilkenny (35.9 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Fiddown is E32. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Fiddown has 149 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 3,272 kWh per year (818 kWh/kWp). The area has moderate rainfall (1114 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.6°C.
What Fiddown homeowners gain from solar
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Fiddown can save an estimated €982+ 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 Fiddown benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Fiddown today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
How to claim the SEAI grant in Fiddown
Homeowners in Fiddown, 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 Fiddown
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels in Fiddown
How much do solar panels cost in Fiddown?
A 4kWp system in Fiddown 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 a BER assessment and do I need one?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is required after installing solar panels to claim the SEAI grant. A BER assessor visits your home and rates its energy efficiency from A1 to G. Solar panels typically improve your BER by 1-2 grades. The assessment costs around €150-€200.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Fiddown?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €982+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Fiddown pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
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 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.
How much electricity will solar panels generate in Fiddown?
Based on Kilkenny county data, a 4kWp system in Fiddown generates approximately 3,620 kWh per year, covering 78% of average household use (4,200 kWh/year). Kilkenny receives around 1,360 sunshine hours annually.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels in Fiddown?
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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