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 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 Muckalee?
| 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.
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. 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 Muckalee
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Muckalee 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 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 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 Muckalee, Co. Kilkenny. Compare installers in Kilkenny or read verified reviews.
Solar Installers Serving Muckalee
SEAI registered solar panel installers covering Muckalee, Co. Kilkenny.
Laois Electrical
carlow, dublin, kildare +4 more
Go Solar
carlow, cavan, donegal +14 more
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 4.4 kWp system in Muckalee 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.
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.
Can you go off-grid with solar in Muckalee?
Fully off-grid setups are rare in Muckalee. 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: September 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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