Solar Panels in Muckalee, Co. Kilkenny
Muckalee is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of around 400. Located 11.7 km from Kilkenny, the area has a solar yield of 783 kWh/kWp. A 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,132 kWh annually, saving an estimated €940+ per year. The SEAI grant of up to €1,800 and 0% VAT bring the net cost to €3,200–€6,200.
How productive are solar panels in Muckalee?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 783 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,132 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,360 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | €940+ |
| Household Coverage | 75% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Muckalee (52.76°N, 7.21°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Monthly Solar Output in Muckalee
kWh per month (4kWp system)
Muckalee at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 400 (Census 2022) |
| Elevation | 118 metres |
| Eircode Area | R95 |
| Dist. to Kilkenny | 11.7 km |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.7576°N, 7.2147°W |
Population and housing data: CSO Census 2022. Weather data: Met Eireann (Oak Park, 23.2 km).
Weather & Climate in Muckalee
Weather data from Met Eireann (Oak Park station, 23.2 km from Muckalee). 5-year average (2019–2023).
About Solar Energy in Muckalee
Muckalee is a village in Co. Kilkenny with a population of 400 (CSO Census 2022). It is a short drive from Kilkenny (11.7 km), where most SEAI-registered installers in the county are based. The Eircode routing key for Muckalee is R95. You'll need your full Eircode when applying for the SEAI grant. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,132 kWh per year (783 kWh/kWp). The area has relatively low rainfall (867 mm/yr), with a mean temperature of 10.5°C.
Benefits of Solar Panels in Muckalee
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Muckalee can save an estimated €940+ 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 Muckalee benefit from some of the best solar conditions in the country.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Muckalee today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Government Support for Solar in Muckalee
Homeowners in Muckalee, 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 Muckalee
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Solar coverage near Muckalee
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What Muckalee homeowners ask about solar
How much do solar panels cost in Muckalee?
A 4kWp system in Muckalee 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 roof direction is best for solar panels in Muckalee?
South-facing roofs produce the most electricity (100% of potential). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95%. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in Ireland.
Do I need a smart meter for solar panels?
You need a smart meter to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. ESB Networks installs smart meters for free. Your installer submits the NC6 form to ESB Networks after installation, which triggers the meter upgrade if needed.
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).
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.
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 is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most Irish homes, solar PV is the better investment: it's more versatile, qualifies for the SEAI grant, and you can sell excess electricity. Solar thermal only heats water.
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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