Solar Panels in Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny
Goresbridge is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 317. Located 15.7 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 792 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,168 kWh annually, saving an estimated €950+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
Solar energy output for Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 792 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,168 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €950+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Goresbridge (52.63°N, 7.02°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Goresbridge
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Goresbridge at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 317 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 136 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 98% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 61% |
| Built Before 2000 | 91% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.2 |
| Elevation | 37 metres |
| Eircode Area | R21 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 15.7 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.6283°N, 7.0165°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 26.8 km).
Weather & Climate in Goresbridge
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 26.8 km from Goresbridge). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Goresbridge
98% of dwellings in Goresbridge are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 61% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant. 91% of homes were built before 2000, qualifying for the SEAI solar grant (homes built and occupied before 2021 are eligible).
Goresbridge: Local Solar Energy Profile
Goresbridge is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 317 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Kilkenny (15.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Goresbridge is R21. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Goresbridge has 136 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 3,168 kWh per year (792 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
How solar panels pay off in Goresbridge
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Goresbridge can save an estimated €950+ 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 Goresbridge benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Goresbridge today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
What SEAI grants can Goresbridge homeowners claim?
Homeowners in Goresbridge, 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 Goresbridge
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Solar Panels in Areas Near Goresbridge
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Common Questions About Going Solar in Goresbridge
How much do solar panels cost in Goresbridge?
A 4kWp system in Goresbridge 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 happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect ESB workers). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
How does shading affect solar panels in Goresbridge?
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.
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 solar panels increase property value in Goresbridge?
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 Goresbridge is a long-term investment in your property.
What is the payback period for solar panels in Goresbridge?
With a net cost of €3,200-€6,200 after the SEAI grant and savings of €950+ per year plus export income, a typical solar system in Goresbridge pays for itself in 4-6 years. After payback, you get 20+ years of near-free electricity.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Goresbridge?
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.
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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