Solar Panels in Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny
Knocktopher is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 174. Located 19.5 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 793 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,172 kWh annually, saving an estimated €952+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
What is the solar potential in Knocktopher?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 793 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,172 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €952+ |
| Household Coverage | 76% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Knocktopher (52.48°N, 7.23°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Knocktopher
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Knocktopher at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 174 (Census 2022) |
| Households | 68 |
| Houses/Bungalows | 99% of dwellings |
| Owner-Occupied | 79% |
| Built Before 2000 | 40% |
| Avg. Rooms per Home | 5.8 |
| Elevation | 58 metres |
| Eircode Area | E32 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 19.5 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.4793°N, 7.2335°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 47.6 km).
Weather & Climate in Knocktopher
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 47.6 km from Knocktopher). 5-year average (2019–2023).
Solar Suitability in Knocktopher
99% of dwellings in Knocktopher are houses or bungalows, making the area highly suited for rooftop solar panels. 79% of homes are owner-occupied — homeowners can apply directly for the SEAI grant.
Solar Power in Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny
Knocktopher is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 174 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Kilkenny (19.5 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Knocktopher is E32. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. According to the 2022 Census, Knocktopher has 68 households, of which 99% are houses or bungalows — well suited for rooftop solar panels. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,172 kWh per year (793 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Knocktopher Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Knocktopher can save an estimated €952+ 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 Knocktopher benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Knocktopher today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar grants available in Knocktopher
Homeowners in Knocktopher, 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 Knocktopher
Read verified reviews from solar panel installers serving Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny.
Areas around Knocktopher we serve
Also serving nearby areas in Kilkenny:
Find Solar Installers in Kilkenny
Browse SEAI-registered installers covering Knocktopher and all of Kilkenny.
Your solar questions for Knocktopher
How much do solar panels cost in Knocktopher?
A 4kWp system in Knocktopher 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.
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.
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 Knocktopher?
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 Knocktopher is a long-term investment in your property.
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.
How do I get the SEAI grant in Knocktopher?
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.
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.
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
Get a Free Solar Quote in Knocktopher
Connect with SEAI-registered installers covering Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny.