Solar Panels in Gathabawn, Co. Kilkenny
Gathabawn is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 400. Located 19.8 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.
How productive are solar panels in Gathabawn?
| 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.
Gathabawn at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 156 metres |
| Eircode Area | R95 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 19.8 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.7671°N, 7.4720°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 38.9 km).
Weather & Climate in Gathabawn
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 38.9 km from Gathabawn). 5-year average (2019–2023).
About Solar Energy in Gathabawn
Gathabawn is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Kilkenny (19.8 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. At an elevation of 156 metres, installations in Gathabawn should consider potential wind exposure when planning panel mounting. The Eircode routing key for Gathabawn is R95. 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 relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Gathabawn
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Gathabawn 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 Gathabawn benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Gathabawn today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Gathabawn
Homeowners in Gathabawn, 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 Gathabawn, Co. Kilkenny. Compare installers in Kilkenny or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Gathabawn
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Gathabawn, Co. Kilkenny.
Energysmart Renewables Limited
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Bord Gais Energy Ltd
carlow, cavan, clare +23 more
Top Rated Solar Installers Near Gathabawn
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Solar coverage near Gathabawn
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What Gathabawn homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Gathabawn?
A 4.4 kWp system in Gathabawn 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.
How does shading affect solar panels in Gathabawn?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output significantly. Modern systems use optimisers or microinverters so that shading on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system. Your installer will assess shading during the site survey.
What size solar system do I need for my home in Gathabawn?
Most homes in Gathabawn benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels) covers 86% of average household electricity use. Your installer will assess your roof space, orientation, and energy usage to recommend the optimal size.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most residential solar installations are exempt from planning permission, provided panels don't project more than 15cm from the roof and don't cover more than 50% of total roof area.
Are solar panels worth it in Gathabawn?
Yes. With estimated savings of €1086+ per year, the €1,800 SEAI grant, 0% VAT, and export income of 15-25c/kWh, a solar system in Gathabawn pays for itself in 4-6 years and lasts 25+ years.
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 does solar panel installation take?
A typical residential installation takes 1-2 days. This includes scaffolding, mounting the panels, wiring, inverter installation, and connecting to the grid. Your installer handles the ESB Networks notification (NC6 form).
Can you go off-grid with solar in Gathabawn?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Gathabawn. 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: August 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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